By Milcah Tanimu
Nigerian defender Leon Balogun recently shared his experience of an intense 2021 AFCON qualifier match in November 2020 between Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The Super Eagles had taken an impressive 4-0 lead within 30 minutes, with goals from Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze at Benin City’s Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. However, a stunning comeback from Sierra Leone saw the game end in a 4-4 draw.
Reflecting on the match, Balogun explained how Nigerian fans expressed their frustration when the team returned to their hotel. Security staff even advised players to avoid bus windows to prevent possible injury from projectiles thrown by angry fans. Balogun noted that the high expectations from Nigerian supporters prepared him to handle similar pressures while playing for Rangers FC in Scotland.
Balogun’s last appearance for Nigeria was in 2022 during the team’s record 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in an AFCON qualifier.
