Rangers defender Leon Balogun has emphasized the importance of ambition, confidence, and a clear tactical plan as vital ingredients for the Super Eagles to clinch victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Alogun also dismissed rumors that he has retired from international football. Balogun, who debuted for Nigeria in 2014, believes the Super Eagles have a point to prove at the tournament in Morocco.
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.
The AFCON, well, it’s a tournament, alogun told Flashscore.com. “You want to win. Every team that comes there, comes there with ambition.
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.
Balogun acknowledged that breaking back into the squad will not be easy, but he believes that high competition levels are crucial for Nigeria’s success as they aim to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup.