2 weeks Ago
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Leon Balogun was part of a Nigeria squad who had to take cover as their bus was pelted with stones from their OWN supporters.
So the veteran Rangers defender won't ever hide from the flak raining down from the stands at Ibrox. The 36-year-old kept a cool head as punters lost theirs during a fraught second half in Sunday's 1-0 win over Hearts. Balogun's experience was crucial as the Jambos threw caution to the wind in search of a leveller which would have left Rangers' already slim title hopes in tatters having fallen 12 points off the pace ahead of kick off.
Philippe Clement admitted afterwards that anxiety levels had been raised due to his players failing to put the game out of sight. But Balogun insists he has no problem dealing with the expectation levels at Ibrox. Certainly not after his experiences with the Super Eagles.
It was four years ago this month that the 46-times capped defender had come off injured in an AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone with his side winning 4-1. They eventually drew the game 4-4. And asked if the demands at Ibrox were difficult to handle, Balogun said: "No disrespect to our supporters, but no.
"Playing for the Nigerian national team actually prepared me because believe me or not, they are probably just as demanding. They probably have just as much expectation as our supporters. Let me put one out there.
I was at Rangers at the time we played against Sierra Leone. We were winning 4-1. It was good for me as I came off after 60 minutes and we ended the game 4-4.
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