Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle snubbed a suggestion given to him by a former captain of the team to give out of contract defender Leon Balogun another chance with the team, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Chelle has made public the list of players who will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Unity Cup in England, and also the players who will be on parade for the friendly game against Russia in June.
Balogun was widely expected to be given another chance to impress after almost two years in the wilderness, largely due to his fine form for Scottish side Rangers where he played in 30 games this season, 21 of them starts, including the final four games under interim head coach Barry Ferguson.
Balogun announced he will be leaving Scottish side Rangers at the end of the season when his contract will expire, making him available for the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup, where they will begin their campaign on the 28th of May against Ghana before playing either of Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the other game of the tournament.
However the coach decided otherwise despite plea from a former Super Eagles captain, who believe that the experience of the 36 year old will be valuable especially in the world cup qualifiers, where they are struggling to see out games.
His advice came after the late minute goal against Zimbabwe in the 1-1 draw in Uyo in March. Chelle however maintained that he wants a younger player as back up behind his favorite trio of Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey in central defence.
It is why he once again called Slavia Prague defender Igho Ogbu for the Unity Cup and also the friendly game in Russia.
Ade Emmanuel
