Rangers defender Leon Balogun will play no part in Nigeria’s international friendly against La Tri of Ecuador on Thursday, Completesports reports.

Balogun, 33, missed Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Mexico on Sunday due to a minor calf injury.

Balogun copped the injury in Rangers’ Scottish Cup final win against Hearts.

The centre-back was expected to link up with his teammates in New Jersey, United States of America after recovering from the injury.

Completesports however scooped that the former Wigan Athletic player will now join the team in Abuja this weekend for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Leone Stars of Sierra and Les Dodos of Mauritius.

In Balogun’s absence, West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi is expected to pair vice-captain , William Troost-Ekong in central defence.

The Super Eagles will keep a date with La Tri at the Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey on Thursday night (Saturday morning in Nigeria).

The players and their officials are expected in the country this weekend where they will shift attention to the AFCON 2023 qualifiers.

The West Africans will host Sierra Leone in their first match in the qualifiers at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Thursday, June 9.

Jose Peseiro’s charges will travel to St. Pierre four days later for their matchday two clash against Mauritius.

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