One in, one out: Super Eagles defender nears full fitness as World Cup Qualifier beckons

Interim Rangers head coach, Barry Ferguson, has revealed Super Eagles defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun, is edging closer to full fitness after suffering an injury five weeks ago, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 36-year-old versatile defender was a mainstay for the Gers under Philippe Clement, playing 19 games across all competitions for the record Scottish Champions, scoring one goal and providing an assist.

Balogun last played for Rangers in their 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League. He was withdrawn at half-time.

Leon Balogun receives treatment during the Europa League match between Manchester United and Rangers at Old Trafford, England, on 23 January 2025.  [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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After missing the past five weeks due to a knee problem, the return of the veteran defender is a massive boost to Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games next month.

“Balogun, Souttar & Sterling trained today – just need to see reactions after training. It was great to have them back, and I will touch base with the medical team in the morning,” Ferguson said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record ahead of Rangers clash against Motherwell tomorrow.

Alejandro Garnacho is challenged by Leon Balogun during the Europa League match between Manchester United and Rangers at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Balogun returns and is now joined by Olisah Ndah as the options Eric Chelle has to call up after Semi Ajayi suffered another hamstring tear while on club duty for West Brom. The former Arsenal man is set to miss about eight weeks of action to recover fully.

UEFA Europa League Leon Balogun of Rangers and Philippe Clement during the UEFA Europa League match at Ibrox Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Balogun last played for Nigeria in their 10-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe in June 2022, where he came off the bench for the final nineteen minutes, and recently made it clear he still has plans to play for the Super Eagles whenever he’s called upon.

“It’s not that I’ve not accepted an invitation ever. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I suffered an injury that was supposed to last a few weeks but didn’t go the way it was supposed to. I just couldn’t come I was not fit yet and after I got fit, then I relapsed but since then I haven’t had a lengthy injury spell.

“I have always been available. I’ve never said that I retired from international football, and I think the people who need to know are aware that I’m still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team,” the Germany-born defender said as previously reported by Soccernet.ng.

Nigeria travel to face Rwanda on the 19th of March before welcoming Zimbabwe to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on the 22nd of March.