Rangers star Leon Balogun opens up on his ‘darkest hour’ after Nigeria defeat
LEON BALOGUN has opened up on his 'darkest hour' following Nigeria's defeat to Ghana.
The Rangers star suffered heartbreak with the Super Eagles earlier this week after they missed out on a place at this year's World Cup.
A 1-1 draw in the second leg of the tie in Abuja meant the Ghanaians clinched the spot in Qatar on away goals.
And there were scary scenes at full-time as fans stormed the pitch to vent their fury at missing out on the tournament.
Now, in a statement on his social media, Balogun has thanked Nigerians for supporting the team throughout the qualifiers.
But the Rangers defender also admitted it was his darkest hour in international football.
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He said: "Thank you all to my fellow Nigerians.
"For the support you've shown us from afar, in front of your TVs, in Kumasi, but especially in Abuja.
"In my eight years as a Super Eagle I have never seen so many hopeful and joyful faces supporting us, pushing on us 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 first, for another or one last time.
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"The harder it is to accept our best, individually as well as collectively, wasn't good enough to make that happen - even more so given the rivalry.
"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 pain.
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"Please let's not allow emotions of 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 a vital part of the Super Eagles."
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Balogun will now return to domestic action this weekend as Rangers face off against Celtic in a huge Old Firm clash at Ibrox.
And he will hope to help the Light Blues go level with the league leaders on points with a win.
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