Former Super Eagles of Nigeria defence hardman Taribo West has backed the decision of coach Gernot Rohr on the case of Leon Balogun playing for the Super Eagles despite his lack of game time at Brighton and Hove Albion, Owngoalnigeria.com reports.
Balogun is yet to kick a ball in anger for Brighton since the 2nd of February when he played in the 3-1 FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion. The game brought his total appearance for the season to ten in all competitions with just 8 matches left to play in the league.
30 year old Balogun has however retained his position as Nigeria’s main man in defence and his combination with William Troost-Ekong known as the ‘Oyibo Wall ‘ was once again decisive in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Egypt in a friendly game played on Tuesday.
Coach of the Super Eagles Rohr has severally said only players who are regularly for their clubsides will be considered for call ups, something that made him drop Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
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West however defended the German coach by saying Balogun for now is still Nigeria’s best defender going into the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, hence the need to overlook his poor form at Brighton and Hove Albion.
” I really think he is the best defender we have at the moment because he adds something extra when he plays. Even the game against Egypt he was way impressive and didn’t play like someone who has not played football in over a month “, West told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” Rohr can’t drop him now but after the Africa Cup of Nations if his club form stays same then the coach will have to make a decision for the good and future of the team. For now he is the best we have”.
Michael James