Rangers defender Leon Balogun has outlined what the Super Eagles need to do to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing ambition, confidence, and a clear tactical plan.
Nigeria last won the continental title in 2013 and finished as runners-up in the last edition, losing 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
Balogun believes the team must approach the tournament with the right mindset to reclaim the trophy.
“The AFCON, well, it’s a tournament,” Balogun told Flashscore.com. “You want to win. Every team that comes there, comes there with ambition,” Balogun told Flashscore.com.
“So, yes, you have to take it for what it is. If they want to be the champions of Africa, (Nigeria) probably have a point to prove after the last AFCON.”
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Balogun stressed that a well-defined approach will be crucial, not only for AFCON but also for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.
“This clear plan will certainly also be necessary for the World Cup qualifiers, because we are in a precarious situation where we cannot afford to lose points.
Therefore, maximum concentration and the highest level of performance are required,” he stated.
Shutting Down Retirement Rumors
Leon Balogun (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Balogun also dismissed recent speculation that he has retired from international football, calling the reports “fake news.”
“Sorry to be a bit harsh there, maybe, but it’s out there. And I just said it to you myself. Those claims are, how do we like to say nowadays? Fake news,” he said.
Since making his Super Eagles debut in 2014 against Mexico, Balogun has been a key figure in the squad, forming a solid defensive partnership with William Troost-Ekong.
He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the team’s third-place finish at AFCON 2019.
His last appearance for Nigeria came in 2022, during a dominant 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in AFCON qualifiers.
While eager to return to the national team, Balogun acknowledged that competition for spots is tough but sees that as a positive for Nigeria’s success.
“Obviously, me wanting to come back into the team doesn’t make it easier. But you need a good level of competition because we’re talking about the Super Eagles and not just any team,” he explained.
“You’re talking about a team that wants to be the best in Africa. So, it needs to be hard to get into the team.”
Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Await
Eric Chelle. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Nigeria faces a crucial period in their World Cup qualification campaign, currently in a difficult position in the standings.
The Super Eagles will need to secure maximum points in their upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to keep their hopes alive.
