Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!

Ghana’s Black Satellites head coach, Desmond Ofei, has expressed his team’s relief at not being in the same group as Nigeria for the upcoming U-20 AFCON.

This follows their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last year.

“We’re happy not to be in Group B because it’s a very competitive group,” Ofei shared with Joy Prime Sports. “I believe we’re in a position where we can control the flow of this tournament from our side.”

Ghana has been placed in Group A for the competition.

West Ham United are keen to sign Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest as a replacement for strikers Niclas Fullkrug dogged by injuries and Michail Antonio is ruled out for the rest of the year after he crashed his car against a tree in December.
Awoniyi is open to joining West Ham so that he can be guaranteed first team football following coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s preference for Chris Wood as his first-choice striker. Awoniyi’s contract will run out in 2027, but the Hammers are desperate to sign the Super Eagles striker to boost their striking options.
Awoniyi joined Forest when they were promoted to the Premier League back in 2022. He scored only four goals in their first 34 games as they entered a relegation battle with Everton and Leicester City. But Awoniyi found his scoring touch slotting in six goals in his last four games and helped the club beat relegation. Forest under Espirito Santo are second placed in the Premier League table.
Awoniyi has scored 17 goals from 63 games for Nottingham Forest. Awoniyi has only started two of the Premier League’s twenty games since the 2024–2025 season began.
However, Sky Sports UK reports that Forest are not willing to let Awoniyi go this January, unless a replacement is found.