New signing at Brighton Hove Albion of England, Leon Aderemi Balogun has disclosed that he has already set his sight on returning to the World Cup with the Super Eagles in 2022, as he wants another chance to shine at the global soccer showpiece.
Though he would be 34 years old then, Balogun believes that would make him a lot more mature for World Cup action, as the experience he and other players in the team got this year will help them do well next time out.
Balogun spoke of his future plans and hopes with the Eagles on a day he clocked 30, with various congratulatory messages coming his way from far and wide.
Leading the way, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), his new club in the English Premier League, Brighton, and his former team in the German Bundesliga, SV Mainz 05, all sent birthday greetings to him.
“Happy birthday @NGSuperEagles defender @LeonBalogun,” the NFF stated on their Twirtter handle; and Brighton added: ”Happy 30th Birthday @LeonBalogun!”
As part of their message, Mainz also praised Balogun for his impressive performance at this year’s World Cup in Russia.
Balogun, who played in all Eagles’ Group D games of Russia 2018, will join Brighton for the new season after leaving Mainz at the end of last season, but that did not stop his former team from greeting him on his birthday.
Mainz stated: “Happy Birthday, @LeonBalogun! A formidable #WorldCup showing with the @NGSuperEagles. Now kick back and relax, you’re 30 now after all!”
