Nigeria’s progress in the upcoming FIFA 2018 World Cup which will take place in Russia starting from June is in a way tied to the fitness of out of contract Mainz 05 defender Leon Balogun according to Taribo West.
The former Super Eagles defender said Balogun is the glue that sticks the Eagles defence together and that much is evident when he doesn’t play for the team.
Balogun’s fitness has not been the best in recent times and West says it could hamper Nigeria’s progress at the World Cup if his fitness issues follow him to the World Cup.
“Balogun is key to the Eagles defence, which is one of the most important part of the team. He has to be managed properly to ensure that he stays fit as the World Cup can be demanding with games coming up almost every three days aside training session”, West told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” The Technical Crew and the medical team need to fine a way to make sure he stays fresh all through the championship, maybe giving him days off while others train and making him have light session to keep him fresh will help his fitness”, he remarked.
