Maigari Orders Full Medical Service for Injured Leon Balogun

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has instructed the medical doctor of Super Eagles, Dr. Ibrahim Gyaran, to ensure that full attention and necessary service is provided for injured Germany-based right back Leon Balogun.

Balogun fell hard while challenging for a high ball, after coming in to replace Efe Ambrose in the second half of Wednesday’s international friendly clash with Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

The fair-skinned stopper, a virtual unknown in Nigeria’s football firmament before being called up by Coach Stephen Keshi in place of injured skipper Joseph Yobo, showed excellent spirit in flying to America at short notice, and was brilliant in the two training sessions and the few minutes he starred against the El Tri.

“The NFF is pleased with the attitude, general conduct and potential of the young defender Leon Balogun. It is unfortunate that he got injured when he went for that ball.

“All the same, I have instructed the Team Doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, to keep in contact with the player and ensure that he is able to provide for the boy, or promptly advise the NFF, towards his full recovery. We are happy that after all, he will not be needing any surgery on the leg.

“A player of Balogun’s attitude, discipline and dedication is an asset to any team in the world,” Maigari said at the weekend.The Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany defender left Atlanta in crutches, from the impact of the incident, but retained his high spirit of making Nigeria’s squad to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

“I have been told that this could take a few weeks, but definitely my focus remains making the squad to the World Cup. I believe I will be fine,” Balogun said at the team’s W. Buckhead Hotel on his way to the airport on Thursday. Maigari has also promised to personally visit the player in Germany to spur his recovery.

“I will find time to go and see the boy in Germany. He has shown brilliant spirit and we are keen on his recovery and general development.”