TV commentator Andy Scott was stunned by the brilliant defending of Rangers ace Leon Balogun during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Ghana on Friday night.
The 33-year-old lined up for his country in the centre of defence in the crucial playoff encounter against their fierce rivals and was called into action early in the first half.
A long ball over the top seemed to catch him out [15:43, March 25] before Balogun caught up his opponent and made a great slide tackle, something Mola TV‘s Andy Scott couldn’t help but praise on commentary.
“Brilliant challenge,” he said. “Excellent defensive covering from Leon Balogun.”
It helped keep the game solid as they earned a crucial 0-0 draw away from home in Ghana, ahead of the second leg back in Nigeria on Tuesday evening where the winner will earn qualification to the 2022 World Cup.
Form
Balogun has found himself in and out of the team on occasion this season for Rangers, but whenever he plays he seems to find himself reliable and focused.
It was another case of that here for Balogun, as he was switched on against the pacy young striker Felix Afena Gyan, who was starting for Ghana as the striker.
He showed his experience and physical attributes to just ease Gyan off the ball, and used his timing to perfectly execute the tackle and retrieve possession in a dangerous moment.
With his current Rangers deal due to expire at the end of the season, he’s essentially playing for his future at Ibrox right now and his current performances will certainly have people thinking.
With a huge game against Celtic the first fixture back after the international break, Balogun will be looking to carry this form into the domestic season once again.
