Leon Balogun has given a wide ranging interview in which he discussed a wide range of matters on club and country.
The Berlin-born stopper spoke to the Beautiful Game podcast in which he waxed lyrical about his love for Rangers and how much he is enjoying his football at present.
Over his first season in Glasgow, the former Brighton man was having a positive experience, despite lockdown, but the events and emotions around the Glen Kamara incident during the Slavia Prague game has brought the club even closer to him and ensured that a growing bond was strengthened.
However, he went further in the interview in regard to his involvement on the international scene with Nigeria and the content was explosive, to say the least.
“Everybody is so concerned about the image of Nigeria, that we (the players) can’t embarrass Nigeria but make sure you (the Nigerian FA) are not embarrassing Nigeria with your own actions,” Balogun told The Beautiful Game Podcast.
“About the bonuses, it’s not even a secret. I’ve read something recently where people in charge contradict themselves saying things have been paid then they admit they haven’t been paid.”
Now this could be seen as just another row over money but it is much more than that.
Balogun’s confidence, authority and agency to make such comments publically just goes to show his status and leadership qualities.
It points to another strong figure in the Rangers dressing room and that can only be good for the club.
In this case, the Nigerian FA responded claiming that payments had been made, that they were doing better but they still had work to do – in a way that was quite diplomatic.
Leon Balogun is known as a solid, dedicated and hard working professional so his integrity is not in question, this discussion just reflects the overall strength and talent that Rangers possess at present.