Balogun's impressive performance in Rangers v Athletic Bilbao strengthens case for Super Eagles recall

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun delivered a stellar performance on Thursday night as Rangers held Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw in the UEFA Europa League—despite playing a large portion of the game with ten men.

Balogun's commanding presence at the back has reignited calls for his return to the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup in London.

 Balogun was a rock in defence throughout the 90 minutes plus stoppage time, producing a standout display that neutralized the attacking threat posed by the formidable Williams brothers—Nico and Iñaki.

He made nine clearances, won two aerial duels, and notably was not dribbled past once during the match.

Beyond his defensive contributions, Balogun also impressed with his composure and ball distribution, completing 91.3 percent of his passes.

His ability to play out from the back was crucial in helping Rangers relieve pressure and maintain structure, even after going a man down.

His mature performance has further amplified public and media calls for his recall to the Nigerian national team, especially after the Super Eagles' defensive lapses against Zimbabwe.

In their last outing, Nigeria surrendered a late equalizer against Zimbabwe in Uyo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that dented their qualification hopes and raised concerns about the backline's stability.

Balogun's wealth of experience—garnered from stints in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and now the Scottish Premiership—is seen as a potential asset for a Super Eagles squad in need of leadership and defensive cohesion.

The Unity Cup in London offers a timely opportunity for coach Eric Chelle to reassess his options, and Balogun's latest performance might just be enough to earn him a national team comeback.

With Nigeria still battling for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Balogun's return could provide the solidity and guidance the Eagles sorely need.

Adeyemi Adewale

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