9th March, 2014
German doctors on Sunday ruled-out surgery for the Super Eagles right back, Leon Balogun who injured his right foot while playing for Nigeria in an international friendly against Mexico on 5 March, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Ben Alaiya, the Super Eagles Media Officer in Abuja quoted Balogun as saying that the doctors had indicated that the injury was not serious as previously envisaged; hence there will be no need for surgery.
“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 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,’’ Balogun was quoted in the statement issued by Alaiya as saying.
It also said that treatment for the 25-year-old defender had already commenced in Germany and that the Super Eagles doctors were also keeping a close tab on his treatment.
The statement further quoted Balogun as saying that he was regularly in touch with Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, the Super Eagles doctor and Dayo Achor, the team administrator.
Meanwhile, Aminu Maigari, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has instructed Gyaran to provide “full attention and necessary service” to the injured player.
Maigari said in a statement issued on Sunday by Ademola Olajire, the Assistant Director, Communication of the NFA that he would personally visit Balogun in Germany to spur his recovery.
“The NFA is pleased with the attitude, general conduct and potential of the young defender Leon Balogun. It is unfortunate that he got injured when he went for that ball; we are happy that after all, that he will not need any surgery on the leg.
“A player of Balogun’s attitude, discipline and dedication is an asset to any team in the world. I will find time to go and see Balogun in Germany; he has shown brilliant spirit and we are keen on his quick recovery,’’ Maigari said in the statement.