ALEXANDRIA – Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun says despite having secured qualification to the Round of 16, it would be “the wrong approach” for Nigeria to “take it easy” on Madagascar when both sides clash in their last Group B game on Sunday in the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Balogun played his first game of the tournament in the 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Alexandria Stadium on Wednesday, putting up a defensive masterclass alongside match-winner Kenneth Omeruo in the centre of defence for the Super Eagles.
And speaking after the game, the Brighton and Hove of England Centre says it would be wrong for the Eagles to take their foot off the gas when they face Madagascar as such an approach could have a detrimental effect on their form and momentum for the rest of the tournament.
“We have another game against Madagascar and one could say ‘now you can take it easy a little’” the 30-year-old defender told busybuddiesng.com.
“I would say that is the wrong approach because there is another game coming after and we would be very well advised if we try to keep our form up use that game as well. Madagascar won’t take it easy, they also want to qualify, there are several chances after their draw against Guinea in the first game so it won’t be an easy one but definitely, we can be more relaxed than them.”
Madagascar, second in Group B with one point play their second match against Burundi later today before their date with the Super Eagles at 6pm at the Alexandria Stadium on Sunday.
