Eagles centerback Leon Balogun signs two-year contract with English Premiership side Brighton

SUPER Eagles central defender Leon Balogun has signed a two-year deal with English Premiership side Brighton & Hove that will keep him at the Seagulls until the end of the 2019/20 season.

Balogun, 29, who has just run out of his contract with Bundesliga side Mainz, has been named in Nigeria's 30-man provisional World Cup squad. Certain to be a starter at Russia in the summer, as he is the team's rock in the heart of the defence, Balogun will now fly to Nigeria to join his colleagues currently camping in Uyo.

Next week, the Eagles will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Uyo before jetting out top London to face England at Wembley on June 2. Having sorted out his club situation, Balogun is now expected to feature in both games as his World Cup preparations continue.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton, said: "Leon will add more depth to our defensive options. I am pleased to get our first piece of business done so early in the summer.

"He is in the peak years of his career and I am sure he will integrate well into the squad. He also has valuable experience, having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and at international level."

Fearful that Balogun's value might soar after the World Cup if he has a good tournament, Brighton were keen to sign the player before the Mundial begins. Balogun missed the 2014 World Cup through injury but is now fully fit and is expected to have an outstanding tournament in Russia.