300 minutes! That’s how much competitive football Leon Balogun has played in 2019, but the 30 year-old is certain he’ll be ready to go when Nigeria returns to the AFCON this June.
Balogun, who is one of 15 players already in the Super Eagles camp in Asaba, made Gernot Rohr’s 25-man AFCON provisional list despite playing only two matches for Brighton in 2019.
Camp ahead of #TotalAFCON2019 officially opens in Asaba today. In camp already are: @mikel_john_obi , @LeonBalogun , Jamilu Collins, @Simon27Moses, @AwaziemC , @SemiAjayi, Samuel Kalu, @etebo_karo , @ogujohnugo , @victorosimhen9 …#TotalAFCON2019 #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 2, 2019
More players in camp: Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, @chukwueze_8 , @Aina2Ola , @henryconyekuru , Paul Onuachu…#TotalAFCON2019 #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 2, 2019
He also got 90 minutes in Nigeria’s rare victory over Egypt in an international friendly in March, and was a standout performer for the Eagles on the day.
It’s been the longest time not playing, even longer not wearing the 🇳🇬
Happy to come back with a win – thank you Asaba ☺️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/iIYymvxbme— Leon Balogun (@LeonBalogun) March 26, 2019
But, the player himself understands he needs to be in top shape for the Cup of Nations. Balogun employed the services of a personal trainer before hitting the national team camp.
On Saturday he shared a short video of how much work he has been putting in, to quell concerns about his fitness levels.
As I’m about to join my Supereagles, I want to thank Maximilian Kessler for getting me in the right physical condition for the upcoming tournament! It’s been some intense and challenging sessions, but worth every single second. And as they say – no pain no gain
As I’m about to join my Supereagles, I want to thank Maximilian Kessler for getting me in the right physical condition for the upcoming tournament! It’s been some intense and challenging sessions, but worth every single second. And as they say – no pain no gain 😏💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/zRrPyDiHSp
— Leon Balogun (@LeonBalogun) June 1, 2019
Nigeria’s Group B campaign at in Egypt gets underway on June 22 against Burundi.
The 2013 AFCON winners will also face Guinea and Madagascar in the first round of the competition.
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