Free-Scoring Arsenal Striker Hints At Switching International Allegiance From England To Nigeria

Published: March 20, 2019

Prolific Arsenal youth-team striker Folarin Balogun has not ruled out the possibility of switching international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

Born in New York and raised in the United Kingdom, Balogun is provisionally cap-tied to England as he represented the Young Lions at the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, playing four games as England reached the semifinals.

The 17-year-old has played for the United States U18s in four friendlies, scoring two goals.

''I haven’t yet declared who I will commit to internationally. I was born in New York, so can play for the USA,'' Balogun told arsenal.com.

''My parents were born in Nigeria and I have been in England since I was two years old, so I can play for both those countries too!

''I have several youth caps playing for England and I enjoy their style of play which is similar to Arsenal’s. I will be discussing matters with my parents and will then decide.''

This season, Balogun, who represents Arsenal U18 and U23 teams, has scored 22 goals in all competitions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com