Leon Balogun in emotional statement as Rangers star reflects on 'darkest hour' as Nigeria player

Leon Balogun has sent a touching message of unity to Nigeria fans after they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Balogun started the clash with Ghana alongside Rangers teammates Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey and they fought back to draw after going behind early on.

But it wasn't enough to qualify as they went out on away goals after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

It was a heartbreaking defeat especially in front of an expectant home crowd.

And Balogun could only thank fans for their support during what he describes as his "darkest hour" as a Nigeria player.

"Thank you to all my fellow Nigerians," he said in a statement on social media.

"For the support you've shown us from afar, in front of your TVs, in Kumasi, but especially in Abuja. In my eight years as a Super Eagle I have never seen so many hopeful and joyful faces supporting us, pushing us on relentlessly to reach our common goal and it was both incredibly touching and overwhelming.

"Everybody tried, everybody wanted to qualify so bad and play at the World Cup 2022 for the first, for another or one last time.

"The harder it is to accept that our best, individually as well as collectively wasn't good enough to make that happen - even moreso given the rivalry. I will probably always remember this painful exit as my darkest hour with the national team.

"As players we understand how much of an impact football can have on the mood of the nation - therefore we share your disappointment, frustration and pain.

"Please let's not allow emotions of what is out of our control now, to get in the way of what there is to achieve in the future.

"Players and coaches will come and go, but remember, you and your support will always be needed as a vital part of the Super Eagles.