The seasoned center defender, who has 46 caps for his country, was left out of Nigeria’s 40-man roster before it was reduced to just 27 players by January 3.
The 35-year-old has been in and out of the national team over the previous few years, but Peseiro’s squad has absolutely no room for the center-half.
For Philippe Clement, however, who may already be missing the formidable pair of Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers, it will be welcome news. With 14 goals in 29 games this season, the latter is Rangers’ top scorer.
Nonetheless, Dessers might still be cut from the Nigerian squad given the abundance of offensive skill on the roster.
Balogun’s inability to secure a long-term tenure at any club throughout his 15-year professional career has prevented him from maintaining a permanent berth at the international level, despite the fact that he has the potential to be one of the most experienced minds in the squad.
However, for the Gers, players like Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Ben Davies, and even young prospect Leon King, his leadership qualities have been crucial. To completely exclude him from AFCON seems a bit absurd.
But given Balogun’s history of injuries, Peseiro’s choice may have been influenced by the defender’s inability to play through multiple absences from various games, particularly during his two-year loan at Ibrox from July 2020 to June 2022.
Considering that he has only played eight full ninety minutes for the Gers this season, his lack of game time is also a concern. He has spent the majority of the season as a backup despite his seniority, and if he were to earn a spot in the national team, Nigeria might be in serious danger.
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