Leon Balogun can help make life tough for Leo Messi and company in their World Cup showdown.

That is the view of former Albion boss Liam Brady after Balogun helped Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 yesterday.

The Seagulls’ summer signing from Mainz impressed as his side went second in Group D with one round of games to go.

Ahmed Musa was man of the match for his two super goals but Balogun also earned high praise.

Brady, working as an expert summariser on Irish television, said: “I thought the three central defenders did well.

“They played three at the back – Omerouh, Ekong and Balogun.

“Looking at them, I’d say Argentina will have difficulty scoring the amount of goals they will probably need to score.

“I’m well pleased for Nigeria.”

Nigeria require at least a point against Argentina on Tuesday to go through.

Former Nigeria star Sunday Oliseh tweeted: “Particularly impressed with Musa, Ndidi, Uzoho and Balogun.”

Balogun played 54 passes, more than any of his colleagues bar Jon Obi Mikel and Wilfred Ndidi.

No Nigeria player made more than Balogun’s three interceptions.