Chelsea star urges Balogun to pledge international future to USA over Nigeria, England
Published: March 24, 2023
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has revealed he would love Arsenal-owned striker Folarin Balogun to play for the United States national team.
Balogun qualifies to represent the Americans because he was born in New York, but he's provisionally cap-tied to England where he grew up and also eligible for a third country, Nigeria, through his parents.
There has been intense speculation over the international future of Balogun in recent weeks and on Tuesday, he withdrew from the England U21 squad ahead of their friendlies, citing an undisclosed injury, which added fuel to the rumors that he is considering switching his allegiance from England to the United States.
The Hale End Academy product has been in sensational form for Stade de Reims since his loan move to France, scoring 18 goals in 29 all-competition appearances.
Pulisic was eligible to play for Croatia's national team through his grandparents but declined the opportunity in favour of representing his country of birth, United States.
The Chelsea winger is urging Balogun to emulate him by choosing to play for the United States, rather than England or Nigeria.
In quotes relayed by Goal.com, Pulisic said : "I haven’t really spoken to him personally. I know some of the guys that know him from previous teams or whatever have reached out to him and spoken to him. From our side, we’d love to have him."
US Soccer previously beat Nigeria to the services of Oguchi Onyewu and Maurice Edu who both represented the Stars and Stripes at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Nigerian-born defender George Bello and West Brom's Daryl Dike are cap-tied to the Americas, with the latter making the roster for Nations League matches this month.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'Welcomed' - Fulham owner finally reacts to Chukwueze's loan move from AC Milan
- Why Bassey's family will be delighted with Arsenal's hard-fought win over Fulham
- Double delight: Burnley's Ugochukwu and Trabzonspor's Onuachu score headers as clubs clinch wins
- 'Has done very well' - Atalanta coach impressed by form of 17yo Nigerian defender
- After handing Awoniyi season debut, Postecoglou relieved of his duties as Nottingham Forest coach
- Newcastle icon explains why Awoniyi was handed surprise start in Nottingham Forest loss to Chelsea
- 2025 Flying Eagles invitee continues scoring run for Chelsea youth in 4-goal thriller v Spurs
- Fulham coach admits Super Eagles duty affected Iwobi, Bassey, Chukwueze's readiness for Arsenal clash
- 'Full of attacking talent' - Tanzania coach admits Super Eagles pose major threat in Afcon Group C
- NFF president discusses Eric Chelle, World Cup qualifiers playoffs and Super Eagles players
Football News 24/7
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Non Gamstop Casinos
- Non Gamstop Casino sites
- UK Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Vsbet
- F168
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- Norwegian Football
- bk8
- 789club
- iwin
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- hi88