No more surgery for Balogun

Super Eagles rookie and Fortuna Dusseldorf defender Leon Balogun will no longer undergo surgery on his injured right foot, German medics ruled at the weekend.

An excited Balogun told the Nigeria Football Federation officials on Sunday that his injury was not as serious as had been imagined. He got positive report from his doctors in Germany following a fresh test conducted. Balogun sustained the injury in the friendly match against Mexico last Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia, United States which was incidentally his first game for Nigeria.

He said, “They told me that the two bones broken are in the base of my foot, which will heal on their own and will not require me to undergo any surgical operation.

“I was also told that within six weeks I should be in good condition and another two or four weeks for rehabilitation. Overall I should be back kicking the ball by the time the national team returns to camp.”

Treatment for the 25 year-old defender has started in Germany. Nigerian medics are also keeping a close watch on his treatment, NFF officials said.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles squad that won the African cup last year in South Africa have urged billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote to redeem the $1m he promised them for winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

Team goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who spoke with the team’s media officer Ben Alaiya on behalf of the other players said, “We understand the busy schedule of Alhaji Dangote. We are just reminding him and his aides to also help us remind him.”

The PUNCH learnt that Mr. Tony Elumelu, who promised the team $500,000 is also yet to redeem his pledge.

“It’s just a reminder to patriots who are very busy and may not have been prompted after they made their pledges. The players are determined to bring more honours to the fatherland at the forthcoming World Cup,” Enyeama added.

Last week, NFF president Aminu Maigari handed the players the documents for the plots of land the Cross River State government promised them.

“We want to thank Governor (Liyel) Imoke and the good people of Cross River State for redeeming his pledge to us.”