A Rangers defender has dismissed rumours that he will retire from international football

A Rangers defender has dismissed rumours that he will retire from international football

Rangers defender Leon Balogun has reacted quickly to deny reports that he is retiring from international football.

The experienced centre-back, who has had an injury-plagued season at Ibrox, has reiterated his loyalty to Nigeria, despite losing his spot in the Super Eagles starting lineup.

Balogun, who made his debut for his country against Mexico in March 2014, had been a mainstay in the national team alongside former Watford star William Troost-Ekong for several years, helping them qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, injuries and fitness difficulties have kept the 36-year-old out of Nigeria’s most recent team, with his last appearance coming in a 10-0 AFCON qualification victory against Sao Tome in 2022.

Following a two-year break, there was growing suspicion that the former Brighton & Hove Albion player had chosen to call it quits and retire from international football, but Balogun has denied these claims.

In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, he admitted: “False claims.” I believe I clarified recently. Sorry for being nasty, but it is out there. And I simply stated it to you. Those claims are, as we like to say today? “Fake News.”

Balogun lost his starting spot to West Brom defender Semi Ajayi for Nigeria’s match against Ivory Coast last year, with previous head coach Jose Peseiro opting for a new strategy.

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