April 01, (THEWILL) – After the Super Eagles failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup earlier this week, Rangers defender Leon Balogun issued an emotional letter to Super Eagles fans, describing it as his “darkest hour” with the Nigerian national team.
The Super Eagles were knocked out on away goals after a 1-1 draw with Ghana, resulting in horrible scenes after the final whistle as fans went wild inside the recently refurbished Abuja stadium.
Balogun praised fans for their support during the qualification campaign via a post on the photo-sharing platform Instagram, and urged them to rally behind the squad following their elimination from World Cup qualifying.
In the post, to which he attached two photos of himself applauding the fans and looking dejected after the final whistle, Balogun began with appreciation: “Thank you to all my fellow Nigerians.
“For the support you’ve shown us from afar, in front of your TV’s, in Kumasi, but especially in Abuja. In my 8 years as Super Eagle I have never seen so many hopeful and joyful faces supporting us, pushing us relentlessly to reach our common goal and it was both incredibly touching and overwhelming.
“Everybody tried, everybody wanted to qualify so badly and play at the World Cup 2022 – for the 1st, for another or one last time.
“The harder it is to accept that our best, individually as well as collectively, wasn’t good enough to make that happen – even more so given the rivalry. I will probably always remember this painful exit as my darkest hour with the national team.”
He continued: “As players we understand how much of an impact football can have on the mood of the nation – therefore we share your disappointment, frustration and the pain. Please let’s not allow emotions over what is out of our control now to get in the way of what there is to achieve in the future.
“Players and coaches will come and go, but remember: you and your support will always be needed as a vital part of the Super Eagles.
“Abeg Naija no vex, make WE move forward in Unity – The Super Eagles of Nigeria go soar again,” he finished.
Balogun’s World Cup bid was almost destined to be his last at the age of 33, but the Rangers defender still has plenty to do at club level. Rangers are still fighting on three fronts this season, and Balogun and his Ibrox teammates kick off a crucial month on Sunday when they meet arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
