Arsenal star Folarin Balogun shuns Nigeria, decides international future

Arsenal star Folarin Balogun, currently on loan at Reims, has decided where he wants to play international football, and it will not be with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. 

Balogun’s international future had been the subject of major speculation, with the Arsenal academy graduate eligible to play for England, where he grew up and has represented three youth teams, the United States of America, where he was born, or Nigeria, where his parents are from. 

The 21-year-old striker had initially pitched his international tent with England, but after being snubbed despite his impressive form with Reims, he stated that he was open to playing for Nigeria or the USA. 

After already playing for both England and USA youth teams, he had expected to be an England international, but after he failed to make the squad for England’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, Balogun dropped a hint that his Three Lions career was over. 

He posted an Instagram story saying “In life, go where your[sic] appreciated,” when he was not included in the England team and has made good on that instruction by deciding to also snub the Three Lions of England for the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America. 

Balogun decided to represent the USA, which is currently 13th in the FIFA ranking and also reached the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

It is reported that the Arsenal forward thought long and hard before deciding to switch allegiance to the USA once again, and the decision will be ratified by FIFA in the coming days.

He could be ready to represent the Yanks in the next international window when they play against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and final/third-place match in June.