 |
| Leon Balogun |
One-cap Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, says most people are not expecting much from the Nigerian national team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, adding that it’s an advantage for the African champions.
Balogun, who has a Nigerian father and a German mother, made his Eagles debut on March 5 against Mexico in Atlanta but copped an injury that would keep him out for between eight to 10 weeks.
“I think that most of the people who just watch would say, ‘Nigeria, it’s very hard for them.’ But I think that’s a good position for us,” Balogun told The PUNCH.
The Fortuna Dusseldorf man said if the Eagles prepared well for the trip to Brazil, they would pull surprises in the World Cup group with the quality of players at coach Stephen Keshi’s disposal, insisting that the three-time African champions can reach the knockout stages of the competition.
He said, “Of course Argentina is very strong, Bosnia also have great players and Iran is the team everybody is saying we have the biggest chance against but I think there is a chance against everybody because they have underestimated us.
“If we believe in our qualities and manage to put everything to the game, I think everybody should have us on their list. We have great players like Victor Moses, Mikel Obi and Emmanuel Emenike. I think we are quite strong but not everybody knows yet. It’s our job to prepare very well because it’s going to be tough.
“It’s not going to be automatic moving to the next round; if we put everything into it, then we have a big chance but I guess people don’t give us a chance. My friends don’t believe it’s going to be easy for Nigeria but I tell them, ‘never underestimate us.’ Except probably for the Nigerians, nobody is really expecting anything from us.”
The injured former Werder Bremen defender is optimistic of bouncing back before the Eagles’ friendly match against Scotland. He is also hoping to seal a spot in Keshi’s team to the Mundial.
“I am a positive person, I’m optimistic. Doctors here in Germany told me things about the injury, which makes me still hope to be fit maybe for the game against Scotland. They told me eight to 10 weeks, so I can still have hope for the World Cup; there is enough time left,” the hard-tackling centre-back, who can also play at right-back, said
ASSURE Educational Services is recruiting nation-wide…Interested applicants are to register online, take a screening test online, see their scores and positions online. Candidates with the best scores will be invited for interview. Visit the Recruitment Portal NOW!
Download unlimited e-books in various disciplines for FREE
Get Breaking News on BBM - add our PIN - 232FC0E9
Follow on Twitter to receive updates every hour
Don't miss the next news item - LIKE our Facebook page
No comments:
Post a Comment