By: Oma Akatugba
Leon Aderemi Balogun was born to a Nigerian father. His mother is German/Italian. He was raised in Germany and he never had the opportunity to visit Nigeria until he got called up to represent Nigeria at senior level. Playing for Nigeria has not only amounted to a career boost for the Mainz 105 defender, it has also afforded him the opportunity to learn about the food, the people and the music from the country of his root, Nigeria.
Balogun talks about the aforementioned in this short interview with omasportsTV in Germany.
HOW ARE YOU?
I’m fine, thank you.
WHO SUPPORTED YOUR FOOTBALL CAREER THE MOST BETWEEN YOUR DAD AND MUM?
Both of them since they still live together. everyone is still in Berlin. My friend, my family because my best friends i consider as my family. Brothers from another mother or sisters from another mother, or chose what you want (Laughs).
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK IF YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND
Yes, I do.
WHERE’S SHE FROM? IS SHE HALF GERMAN AND NIGERIAN LIKE YOU?
No, she’s German.
IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR REASON YOU SETTLED FOR A GERMAN LADY?
I was raised here, I was raised German and I live in Germany. So, those are the girls you meet more often.
DO YOU EAT NIGERIAN FOOD?
Yes.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
Egusi soup is my favourite. I also like plantain.
First things first ?☝? soooo good to be home ???? pic.twitter.com/X6z97vqvx6
— Leon Aderemi Balogun (@LeonBalogun) October 1, 2017
DO YOU LISTEN TO NIGERIAN MUSIC?
Yes, some. I listen to Wizkid a lot, and I like the remix of ‘Ojuelegba’. I also like ‘Panya’
CAN YOU SING IT?
(Laughter) Then starts singing Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’. And I also like the song ‘Omalicha’. I listen to Nigerian songs before games because they make me happy and give me a good feeling. They give me a release. In the dressing room, there are Turkish and German songs, even English songs, but they’re always very sad and slow. But the Nigerian songs come with lots of energy. I played with Claudio Pizarro, and he always listened to his South American music and they’re similar to the Nigerian songs, they give a lot of energy.
THANK YOU, LEON
Thank you.