Rangers defender Leon Balogun has sent a strong message to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), urging them to do more to make the Super Eagles an appealing choice for talented dual-national players.
In a candid interview, the German-born defender highlighted Nigeria’s missed opportunities with players like Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and David Alaba, who all chose to represent other countries despite initial ties to Nigeria. Balogun pointed out that the NFF must focus on improving their approach to attract top talent to the national team.
“We’ve missed out on a lot of great players,” Balogun said. “Look at David Alaba, Michael Olise, and even Bukayo Saka. There’s so much talent out there, and we need to send the right message to make Nigeria the top choice for these dual-national players.”
Balogun also shared his personal journey with the Super Eagles, describing the call-up as a way to reconnect with his Nigerian roots, which he had not fully embraced before. He’s since been actively learning Yoruba and reflecting on his heritage, showing how the national team can help players rediscover their cultural identity.
While Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON journey benefited from several dual-national players, including Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, Balogun’s call to action suggests that there’s still plenty more talent to tap into for the future of the Super Eagles.
With top names like Felix Agu and Chido Obi emerging, Balogun hopes the NFF will make the national team an even more enticing destination for dual-nationals, paving the way for greater success on the international stage.
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