Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has called on the team to learn how to play a little dirty ahead of future international tournaments.

The newly signed Brighton and Hove Albion star was reacting to the cruel elimination of the Super Eagles at the hands of old foes Argentina.

The former world champions defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their final Group D clash at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia courtesy Marcos Rojo’s 86th minute winner.

As a result of the late win, Argentina qualified for the knockout stage ahead of Nigeria though they have since been eliminated by France in the last 16.

Leon Balogun was speaking about the tournament in Russia during a chat with BBCSport.

In his words, the 22-cap defender said: “It’s always important when you play internationals to be a bit dirty.”

“That’s what Argentina has, definitely, and you also need to be cold-blooded – that’s probably the most important (lesson from this World Cup).” He added.

Balogun, 30, thereafter banked on the young Super Eagles team to continue to improve in time for upcoming tournaments.

He said: “It will be very important to keep going the way we have started.”

“We have experienced players, young players, talented players – and there are even more players that are not in the team yet – and we have to keep developing them and investing in their football education.

“We just have to keep working and keep our focus on advancing year after year and then in the next four years we will have a good team – maybe an even better one.” He concluded.

Leon Balogun recently completed his move from German Bundesliga outfit Mainz 05 to the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion on a free transfer.

Brighton are just in their second season in the Premier League after they gained promotion to the top flight for the first time in 32 years at the start of last season.