Nigeria vs. Iceland - Leon Balogun, Francis Uzoho

Brighton's Leon Balogun relives World Cup experience with Nigeria

Leon Balogun has taken time to reflect on his experience with Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The defender, who turned 30 at the global football showpiece, featured prominently for the Super Eagles as they bowed out in the group stage of the tournament.

And following the disappointing exit of the three-time African champions, the former Mainz 05 player will team up with his new club, Brighton and Hove Albion in England but has taken to the social media to express his delight at the ‘invaluable experience’ gained on the biggest stage of football.

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“Better late than never, but never late is better. It’s been two weeks since this exciting journey has ended for my team and me. Reminiscing it’s still painful, I won’t lie,” Balogun posted on Instagram.

“But life goes on and it gives you so many reasons to smile. Meanwhile, I turned 30 (thanks for all the messages), am about to start a new chapter in Brighton and there will be a new world champion soon making their nation proud.

“I will be forever grateful for this invaluable experience with the Super Eagles. So this is to say thank you to my team, the complete staff, to everyone who was part of this great journey and supported us also to Russia and its people for their great hospitality.

“And last but not least, thank you Nigeria for the endless support. It’s been a great honour representing you and we hope we could make you proud.

“We will continue to strive for greatness in the future so one day we can hopefully bring a trophy back home.”

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