By Daily Sports on May 7, 2017
Nigerian defender Leon Balogun has admitted that the Super Eagles are already dreaming of playing in next year’s World Cup.
The 2013 African champions are well placed to reach Russia 2018, as they top Group B in the qualifiers having won their opening two games against Zambia and Algeria.
They face a potentially decisive double-header against new Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon in August and September, with the Super Eagles first playing host to the Indomitable Lions.
“It's [Cameroon’s game] a crucial game and a home game we must win,” Balogun, who plays his club football with Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, told TheNff.com.
“At home we have everything under our control, we must use that to our advantage. Another advantage is Uyo, our current home ground. Uyo has become a fortress for us. I think it is one of the reasons for our successes in recent times.
“Uyo fans have shown so much love for the team and that has been very great. The ground is great and the training pitch is also good. And the Akwa Ibom State government has been very supportive of our cause.
“Cameroon is a strong team, after winning AFCON 2017 they've built up their confidence but by the time we will play them it would be six months after their win in Gabon, we must show them we want the win more than they do.
“We need to make sure we get the maximum three points to take our points tally to nine; that will give us a big edge over other teams including Cameroon. I'm seriously looking forward to the game; we want to show them that we are better than them.
“We are already dreaming of Russia 2018, but we know we must work harder. e will ensure we win all our matches especially our home games,” Balogun said.
Photo shows Leon Balogun.
Source Daily Sports
Posted May 7, 2017
You may also like...
Rangers Demote Eight Players Ahead NPFL Matchday 13...
Champions League: Uefa president says final could move...
Serena, Venus Williams could meet in US Open...
Manchester City won’t fear Liverpool despite recent history...
A grassroots club’s excitement as they make FA...
50 football stars, 150 journalists attend Messi wedding...

depoju picks best World Cup moment June 16, 2026 4:18 am
Uruguay frustrated by dogged Saudi Arabia in World Cup draw
Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw
Nigeria ranks 2nd among W’Cup absentees
Ndidi gets Saudi option amid Besiktas uncertainty
Otu siblings advance at CBN Senior Tennis Champs
Management cost Eagles World Cup spot – Supporters club chief
Otu, Udofia target CBN senior tennis title
Edo Queens win second NWFL title
Unbeaten Adeshina completes NCAA sweep
Havertz, Balogun, Ayari in early lead for FIFA golden boot race
Onitsha Country Club Inaugurates N200m 300-seater Capacity Standard Tennis Pavilion, One-storey Bar
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,870 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,195 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,130 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,720 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,614 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,500 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,356 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,902 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,093 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,580 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,039 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,464 views)