'Me and Ekong bullied Mahrez, Slimani' - Rangers star Balogun reveals best memory with Eagles

Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun has revealed that beating an Algeria side containing the then Leicester City strikers Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani back in 2016 is one of the highlights of his career with the Super Eagles.

Nigeria were placed in a difficult 2018 World Cup qualifying group, with Cameroon and Zambia completing the countries, but qualified for the tournament in Russia with a game to spare.

After beating Algeria 3-1 in Uyo, the Super Eagles saw off a much-fancied Cameroon side 4-0.

Balogun, who has played alongside William Troost-Ekong at the heart of the Super Eagles defence in most matches, boasted that him and his defensive partner nullified the threat posed by Mahrez and Slimani.

Asked to reveal his best memory with the Super Eagles, Balogun said to Troost-Ekong's YouTube channel :"I remember the road to the World Cup 2018 pretty well. The first match against Cameroon in Uyo and the one against Algeria as well.

"We beat Cameroon 4-0, Algeria 3-1 with Mahrez and Slimani up front. It was pretty special, me and (him) Ekong bullied them actually. I hope that's not going to haunt us but those are definitely up there.

"Then obviously the World Cup, AFCON bronze medal winners. We've been through something".

Balogun has been named in Rangers' starting line-up for their Europa League clash against Sparta Prague on Thursday evening.

Igho Kingsley