'I have played in qualifiers before' - Balogun targets UCL group stage qualification with Rangers 

Leon Balogun was on media duties on Monday evening, which suggests that he could be involved in some capacity on August 6 when Rangers take on Dynamo Kyiv in the third qualifying round, first leg of the UEFA Champions League. 

The veteran central defender revealed that it would be one of the biggest achievements of his career if the Light Blues qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.

Balogun, 36, is a seasoned campaigner in the Europa League with twenty games under his belt but has yet to make his debut in the group stage of the Champions League.

With a ticket to the playoff round of the Champions League on the line, it has given the Super Eagles star motivation to face the Ukrainian Premier League side.

"I have never played in the Champions League, I have played in qualifiers before, for Rangers as well, it didn't work out," Balogun was quoted as saying by Rangers official website. 

"At this stage of my career it would be one of my biggest achievements, that is my personal motivation and I'm sure every single player who came out here today has their own individual reasons to go to the group stages.

"I think everybody is very determined to put in a performance tomorrow. It has obviously been a quick turnaround, but it is a big occasion.

"I am not too fussed about it coming early in the season because I think if you want to play in the Champions League there is no greater motivation in football."

Balogun was in the Rangers team beaten 3-2 by Malmo in the second leg, third qualifying round of the Champions League in the 2021-2022 season,

The winner of the Rangers versus Dynamo Kyiv tie will face the winner of Red Bull Salzburg versus FC Twente tie in the  Champions League qualification playoff.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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