October 10, (THEWILL) – Scottish Premiership champions Glasgow Rangers’ coach Steven Gerrard faces an injury headache after Super Eagles’ center back Leon Balogun picked up a knock in Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying win over the Central African Republic (CAR).
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard may now have a selection issue of the wrong kind, with defender Filip Helander already out with a knee injury.
If Balogun is sidelined for an extended period of time, the Ibrox club’s main centre-back alternatives will be Connor Goldson and Jack Simpson, with Calvin Bassey capable of filling in if necessary.
The 33-year-old scored the opening goal for the Super Eagles against Central African Republic, only days after he was blamed for his team’s historic loss to the same team.
Balogun was chastised by fans and the media on Thursday after failing to clear his lines and creating the opportunity for CAR’s Karl Namnganda to score the only goal that brought about the disappointing Super Eagles’ loss.
It was Nigeria’s first home defeat in a World Cup qualifying match since October 1981.
But the Super Eagles had an immediate chance to respond, and Balogun seized it with both hands when he calmly finished a cross from deep to give Nigeria the lead today.
Balogun had to be replaced by Kenneth Omeruo in the final moments of the game due to injury, and Victor Osimhen scored the second goal to solidify their spot at the top of their group.
About the Author
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.
