Super Eagles star Leon Balogun has opened up about his recent struggles and the physical and mental toll of his recent return to action after nearly two months on the sidelines.
Despite the intense pressure of playing four games in just ten days, the experienced defender has managed to find his feet again, Footballrover reports.
But there’s more to his story—one that highlights the hidden challenges players do face when pushed to their limits.
After battling injuries that kept him on the sidelines, the 36-year-old Nigerian international finally rejoined the starting eleven following Rangers’ 1-1 Europa League draw against Olympiacos.
His much-anticipated return came with a solid performance on Sunday, helping Rangers clinch a tight 1-0 victory over Hearts at Ibrox Stadium.
Leon Balogun’s impressive return despite struggles
Despite his recent layoff, Balogun looked sharp, completing the full 90 minutes with impressive precision.
For a player fresh from injury, his impact was solid, with an exceptional passing accuracy of 94% among players who played 45 minutes or more.
His involvement was crucial, with 79 touches on the ball and three key passes in the attacking third. Adding to his stats, he tallied 10 clearances, one interception, one recovery, and won two aerial duels.
In the end, it was his Nigerian teammate, Cyriel Dessers, who netted the decisive goal just six minutes in, sealing the victory for Rangers and adding a promising highlight to Balogun’s challenging return.
“I have found the last few weeks challenging. I hadn’t played for nearly two months, and then we have had four games in ten days.
“I am not complaining, but it takes its toll, and you have to be managed well, and that’s why the breather I got on Thursday came at a good time, even though I wanted to play.
“I am really happy; we have had some good performances, and I am enjoying being back in the team,” Balogun told Rangers TV after the game.
In spite of their strong performances, both Leon Balogun and Dessers were left out of the Super Eagles’ squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda under interim coach Austin Eguavoen.
But these two Nigerian stars will have to look ahead and focus on their next league fixture against Dundee United, which comes immediately after the international break.
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