Brighton's Leon Balogun hoping to regain starting club spot as he eyes African Nations Cup

BRIGHTON and Hove defender Leon Balogun has expressed confidence that he can reclaim a starting place in the Premier league side before the end of the season and subsequently cement his place in Nigeria's squad for the African Cup of Nations in the summer.

In June, Nigeria will be participating in the 32nd African Cup of Nations in Egypt but Balogun will have to fight for a place in the team with several top class defenders. He will have to compete with William Ekong of Udinese in Serie A, Kenneth Omeruo currently playing for Leganés in Spain's La Liga and Chidozie Awaziem playing for Çaykur Rizespor in the Turkish league.

With the Nations Cup possibly being his last international tournament, Balogun, 30, is disadvantaged by the fact that he is the oldest of the centrebacks Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has at his disposal and he is also not seeing regular action at club level. Balogun, a former Mainz defender has made just a seven starts for the Seagulls this season

Balogun said: “It’s been difficult but that’s the manager’s call, I’ve just got to get on with it and hope for a chance. I really hope to play a significant role in my first Nations Cup for Nigeria but firstly, I want to keep working hard to make a strong case for regular games at Brighton."

“It’s very frustrating not to be involved but you can only keep your head up by focusing on helping the club when called upon. What is important is to always put myself in the right place as usual, so that if I am needed anytime to start a game or come in, I’ll be ready for that."

Since December, Balogun has made just four appearances for his Brighton, no thanks to injuries and fitness issues, something he has admitted is frustrating. On Saturday, Balogun was not listed in the match day squad as Brighton lost 1-0 to Southampton in the English Premier League.