Nigerian Striker Pushing For First Team Recognition After Scoring Hat-Trick For Arsenal U18

Published: October 20, 2018

Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun continues to enhance his reputation after scoring a hat-trick as Arsenal U18s beat Reading 4-2 in an U18 Premier League fixture at Shenley Training Centre in Hertfordshire on Saturday afternoon.

Balogun gave the Gunners the lead in the 24th minute but the Royals were back on level terms courtesy of Michael Olise's goal three minutes before the end of the half.

But the home team went back in front through Stan Flaherty two minutes after the intermission.

Balogun made it 3-1 on 64 minutes before completing the scoring for Arsenal in the 77th minute.

The 17-year-old played the full game, Ryan Alebiousu entered into the game as a substitute with six minutes left and the third player of Nigerian descent named in Arsenal's match day squad, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was an unused substitute.

Arsenal provisionally top the table with 21 points from eight matches and travel to Swansea City in their next league game.

Folarin Balogun, who has represented England and United States youth teams, is the leading marksman in the U18 Premier League South with eight goals from six matches.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com