Nigerian international defender Leon Balogun says they have a team capable of making the country proud at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Although the Super Eagles have been hit by an injury crisis days before manager Gernot Rohr announces a 35-man provisional squad for the World Cup, the Mainz 05 defender says the team will do well in Russia if the players are in a good condition.
Balogun is still undergoing rehabilitation following a rib injury and the likes of Henry Onyekuru, Tyronne Ebuehi, Joel Obi Mikel and Wilfred Ndidi have been absent for their respective clubs from injuries.
”We have a team capable of doing well in Russia and this team can perform to expectations if we have everyone in great shape,” Leon Balogun told BBC Sport.
“As a professional you don’t think so much about getting injured or avoiding it, you just give everything on the pitch for club and country.
“I know injuries come with football and if we are very lucky not have it, then all the players in Nigerian colours have the spirit to fight for success until the end.”
Meanwhile, Balogun was unlucky not to be named in Nigeria’s squad list for the 2014 World Cup after sustaining an injury on his debut against Mexico, but insists he will make the final squad for the tournament set for Russia next month.
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