The curious case of one of the best defenders in Africa Leon Balogun not getting games at Bundesliga side Mainz 05 has provoked an explanation from German Journalist Roland Mark.
Balogun was once again left on the bench yesterday when Mainz 05 defeated Hamburg 3-2 in league game, meaning so far he has only played three league games out of the 8 games played so far.
He has played only in games against Bayern Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim with a total of 270 minutes under his belt since the start of the season in Germany, same game time he has had for Nigeria in one months of World Cup 2018 Qualifiers.
” It is connected with his contract. The club are already planning for life without him, which could be next season with his contract set to run out this next summer, when he will be away at the World Cup with the senior national team of Nigeria “, Mark told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” It’s no secret that he is one of the best defender in Africa at the moment judging by his performances for Nigeria during the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers, yet he has refused to sign an extension at the club.
” I don’t know if the club offered him an extension but I know he hasn’t signed one yet. Hopefully he will move to a club befitting of his status next season after the World Cup “, Mark concluded.
Daniel Martins
