Late heartbreak for Brighton defender as Argentina knock Nigeria out of World Cup
Marcos Rojo's winner three minutes from time ensured Argentina claimed all three points in Group D to progress into the last 16.
Nigeria would have finished second and gone through to the knock-out stages with a draw. Balogun, who joined the Seagulls from Mainz last month, was fouled by Javier Mascherano for the penalty which Victor Moses netted to draw the Super Eagles level after 51 minutes.
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Hide AdLionel Messi starred in the first half and gave Argentina the lead after 14 minutes.
Balogun was booked on 32 minutes for a foul on Angel de Maria as he looked to race through on goal. Argentina called for a red card but Balogun was just booked, with team-mate Kenneth Omeruo covering and Messi's resulting free kick struck a post.
Moses made it 1-1 six minutes into the second half but Rojo's late volley means Argentina will face France in the last 16.