'My mother speaks to me in Yoruba' - Arsenal-owned striker not ruling out playing for Nigeria 

Arsenal-owned striker Folarin Balogun has not ruled out the possibility of representing the Nigerian National Teams in the near future.

Balogun is eligible to turn out for Nigeria through his parents and the Stade de Reims man can also play for the Three Lions, where he was raised, as well as the United States of America, the country he was born. 

Of the aforementioned countries, only Nigeria have not capped him as he has appeared for the United States and England youth teams.

Right now, the English Football Association are thought to be in pole position for his services as he is provisionally cap-tied to them and is a key player for their U21 team. 

Regarding his long-term future at Arsenal, Balogun has made it clear that his options are open despite having an existing contract with the Gunners until June 2025.

"Above everything, I feel English, but I also have an American side, because I have family in New York and I love going there," Balogun told L'Equipe via Get French Football News. 

"I have my grandmother and cousins in Lagos (Nigeria), even if I haven’t been there since I was very young.

"My mother sometimes speaks to me in Yoruba and it is important to me."

Balogun added :  “Just like my future at club level, I am not closing any doors regarding international selection. All options remain open."

Balogun shares the same agent as Super Eagles players Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Josh Maja, Terem Moffi and Ola Aina. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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