Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has emphasized that no professional footballer ever steps onto the pitch with the intention of losing or playing poorly.

However, he acknowledged that criticism is often inevitable when players have bad games, whether for their national teams or club sides.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Brila.net, the former Brighton & Hove Albion defender addressed the scrutiny that footballers face, particularly within the Super Eagles.

He expressed disappointment with how some former players, who should understand the pressures of professional football, join in harshly criticizing current players.

Balogun clarified that while constructive criticism is acceptable, personal attacks and insensitive remarks are not.

“No player goes onto the pitch to lose a game of football or to play a bad game, but it might happen, and it is not a great feeling.

Players are aware of it; we deal with it, and we somehow get on with it. But we shouldn’t have to face it at these levels,” Balogun said.

“And by the way, it’s not just the supporters or the media. Sometimes, it’s even the ex-pros who come for players, and I’m like, ‘You should know better.’

You’ve been in this position before; you know what goes through a player’s mind at that moment.

When you come out to bash players, you’re not showing any empathy or understanding. You can call out aspects of their performance, but when it becomes personal, it’s unnecessary.”

Balogun, who has been capped 46 times by Nigeria and scored one international goal, is currently enjoying an impressive season with Rangers.

His performances have sparked calls for his return to the Super Eagles, with his last appearance coming in June 2022 during a 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

As the qualifiers resume in March, Balogun will undoubtedly be looking forward to another opportunity to don the green and white jersey.