Injured Yobo Out of Mexico Friendly, Leon Balogun Replaces Skipper

Joseph Yobo will not make his Super Eagles return in Wednesday’s 2014 World Cup warm-up against Mexico in Atlanta, USA, team officials have disclosed.

Team media officer Ben Alaiya says the on loan Norwich City centre-back has been ruled out by an injury he sustained during Sunday’s Premier League loss at Aston Villa.

Germany-born defender Leon-Aderemi Balogun has been named the Eagles skipper’s replacement for the friendly encounter billed for the Atlanta Dome.

The 6ft 3in tall light-skinned defender has since arrived the team base in Atlanta for the game.

Leon Balogun (R) Battles the Ball With Benjamin Koehler (L) of Hertha Berlin During a German Bundesliga Match. Getty Image.
Leon Balogun (R) Battles the Ball With Benjamin Koehler (L) of Hertha Berlin During a German Bundesliga Match. Getty Image.

He told supersport.com in an exclusive interview: “I had a phone conversation last month with the Big Boss(Stephen Keshi), who asked me how I was and if I was fit and willing to play for Nigeria.

“I managed not to scream yes, only saying yes quietly. He told me that if some players drop out from his initial list for the Mexico match he will call me. So last week, I get my letter of invitation and ticket and joining requirements for the team.”

Balogun is a professional footballer for Fortuna Düsseldorf and has featured for Hannover 96 and SV Werder Bremen in the past.