Super Eagles Defender Leon Balogun Backs Rangers for Europa League Glory After Dramatic Win

Super Eagles and Rangers defender Leon Balogun has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to go all the way in the UEFA Europa League after their thrilling penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce.

European Dream Alive

The 36-year-old, who has played a crucial role for the Gers this season, was left out of Eric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, he remains focused on helping Rangers create history in Europe.

“Europe has always been special,” Balogun said via Daily Record. “Thursday nights at Ibrox are just incredible. The fans give it their all, and this win was for them. Domestically, things haven’t gone our way, but this gives us extra energy to achieve something special.”

Belief in the Squad

Balogun, who was part of Rangers’ Europa League final run in 2022, believes nothing is impossible. “You always enter competitions to win. I’ve been to the final before. It takes belief, some luck, and hard work. We earned it today, and now we focus on the next round.”

Focus on Old Firm Derby

Before facing Athletic Bilbao in the quarterfinals on April 10, Rangers take on Celtic at Parkhead in a crucial Old Firm Derby on Sunday. Despite trailing their rivals by 16 points in the SPFL, Balogun insists fatigue won’t be an excuse.

“They think we’ll be tired, but we showed big character today. We have to bring that into Sunday’s game and represent the badge well,” he said. “There’s more quality in this squad than people give us credit for. It’s on us to prove it consistently.”