It was tough against Ghana - Balogun reveals

Queens Park Rangers defender Leon Balogun has disclosed that Nigeria's World Cup qualifier doubleheader clash against Ghana was a difficult game.

The Super Eagles lost the World Cup ticket to their arch-rivals Black Stars of Ghana in late March after the latter sealed qualification to the ongoing FIFA World Cup via the away goal rule.

After goalless first-leg results in Kumasi, the three-time African champions needed just a win to qualify for their 7th World Cup finals, but it was not to be as their West African rivals held them to a one-all draw at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

Speaking in a recent interview on the Beautiful Game podcast, the ex-Glasgow Rangers noted that the Super Eagles clash against Ghana in March was a really tough game.

“We did go to Ghana to play that first leg, and it was a tough game. There was this whole fuss about them changing the stadium last minute where they’ve never lost, and they said whether juju may or may not have been involved

“It was really, really tough and we ended up playing 0-0. I remember we had a meeting one or two days after and one of the staff said we’re 70 percent through and I thought to myself that can’t be right.”

“We played a goalless draw away from home, if that’s helpful to anyone then it’s Ghana. We said we have to just pour our hearts out for that game.”

Balogun, 34, has been linked with a return to his former club Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish League.

He has won 46 caps with the Super Eagles with 1 goal to his credit.

WDN