Super Eagles centreback Leon Balogun makes his debut for English Premiership side Brighton

SUPER Eagles centreback Leon Balogun has made his debut for English Premiership side Brighton & Hove Albion featuring in a pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic that ended 1-1 on Tuesday night.

Balogun, 30 joined Brighton at the end of last season, signing a two year deal with the Seagulls before jetting out to Russia as part of Nigeria's World Cup squad. In the match against Charlton, he featured for the first time, playing for 64 minutes before being replaced by Ben Barclay as Coach Chris Houghton gave a run-out to as many players as possible.

Brighton took the lead in the match and Balogun played his part by keeping the scoreline to his side's advantage when just before halftime he tackled Nick Ajose who was through on goal. At the time, Brighton were one up but after Balogun left, Charlton drew level when Mahamadou-Naby Sarr grabbed what turned out to be the equaliser in the 82nd minute.

Balogun said: “I’m an aggressive player with the typical German discipline but what I am trying to do now is fit in because there are some differences. I like the physical aspects of the game and I am also looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere here, which I got a sense of in the game.

“I enjoyed it a lot and I wanted to soak it up. Now I want to give my all and just try to improve.”

Balogun is expected to play his second match on Saturday July 28 when the Seagulls take on Birmingham City at St Andrews in their next pre-season fixture.  Signed on a free transfer from Bundesliga side FSV Mainz, Balogun was bought to shore up the team's defence as they look forward to another year of survival in the English Premiership.