Rangers defender breaks his silence over Super Eagles World Cup playoff heartbreak

Balogun came close to grabbing a winner in the second leg against the Black Stars but saw his brilliant header miraculously saved by goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott.

Writing on Instagram, the Super Eagles number 6 stated : "Thank you to all my fellow Nigerians.

"For the support you’ve shown us from afar, in front of your TV’s, in Kumasi, but especially in Abuja. In my 8 years as Super Eagle I have never seen so many hopeful and joyful faces supporting us, pushing us on relentlessly to reach our common goal and it was both, incredibly touching and overwhelming.

"Everybody tried, everybody wanted to qualify so bad and play at the World Cup 2022 - for the 1st, for another or one last time.

"The harder it is to accept that our best, individually as well as collectively, wasn’t good enough to make that happen - even more so given the rivalry.

"I will probably always remember this painful exit as my darkest hour with the national team.

"As players we understand how much of an impact football can have on the mood of the nation - therefore we share your disappointment, frustration and the pain.

"Please let’s not allow emotions over what is out of our control now to get in the way of what there is to achieve in the future.

"Players and coaches will come and go, but remember: you and your support will always be needed as vital part of the Super Eagles."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel