Super Eagles Central defender, Leon Balogun has sent a touching message of unity to Nigeria fans after they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Leon Balogun was in action for the three-times African champions in Abuja, Nigeria against Ghana on Tuesday.

The game ended 1-1 with Nigeria coming from behind via the team’s captain Troost Ekong. However, the draw wasn’t enough to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup as they went out on away goals after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Balogun on his Instagram and Twitter verified account thanked the fans who came out in numbers to support them on Tuesday.

“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 eight years as Super Eagle I have never seen so many hopeful and joyful faces supporting us, pushing us on relentlessly to reach our common goal and it was both, incredibly touching and overwhelming.

“Everybody tried, everybody wanted to qualify so bad 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.

The 33-year-old defender said he will always remember the failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as his darkest hour with the Super Eagles.

“I will probably always remember this painful exit as my darkest hour with the national team.

“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 vital part of the Super Eagles.

Advertisement