Exploits in brief stay against Mexico despite
horrible debut with six weeks injury spell on sidelines, the Ijebu-ode
fathered defender is fancied to make Nigeria's World Cup squad
Former Nigeria international midfielder Folorunsho Olenla believes newly capped defender Leon Balogun is good enough to make the Super Eagles' World Cup squad.The Fortuna Dusseldorf right back, who replaced injured captain Joseph Yobo, made his debut alongside three fresh invitees - Ramon Azeez, Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo in the international friendly against
Mexico.
Balogun was, however, taken out of the game minutes after he came on as a substitute after fracturing a bone in his foot.
Okenla in his opinion noted that despite the brief stay of Balogun in the game, he showed much confidence required of a professional defender and deserves to be at the World Cup.
"[Leon Balogun] fit in so well - he has done well and showed that defending is a man-to-man cover - I expect him go to the World Cup," Olenla said on AIT.
The former Burnley midfielder in his post match assessment, also praised the impact of debutant Michael Uchebo in attack for Nigeria, expressing optimism that the Clube Brugge attacker will be a bargain
for the Super Eagles in Brazil.
"Uchebo will complement Emenike from the flank well. You can't reserve anything when it comes to the World Cup, so the players need to show what they got to make the squad to Brazil. They will have to give
their best to grind out results if playing at the World Cup.
"I'm specially impressed by our two goalkeepers – Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide are great bargains for us going to the World Cup as they both did well with several saves in goal-bound attempts
from Mexicans. I think we have no issues with them," Olenla said.
Head coach Stephen Keshi is expected to name his squad by May 30 ahead of the World Cup in Brazil which kicks off on June 12. -------------- goal.com
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