Folarin Balogun dumps Nigeria, England for USA
On-loan Reims forward Folarin Balogun will reportedly dump Nigeria and England in favour of the United States of America – USA at full international level .
According to foremost Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Balogun will switch allegiance to the United States of America.
Romano said the striker took his time to make the decision after what has been a fairly successful season at French Ligue One club, Reims.
Born on July 3, 2001 in New York City to a Nigerian father, Arsenal Academy product Balogun represented England at Youth level but has made up his mind to represent his country of birth – USA.
The 21-year-old has featured for England’s youth teams 28 times, including in competitive matches at the 2018 European U17 Championship, which will require him to apply to FIFA for a one-time change of association.
Balogun, held talks with U.S. Soccer in March as he visited Orlando, Florida during the March international break and the USMNT eligible striker was interested in committing his international future to the USA.
Announcement of the switch is imminent with a request to FIFA having received endorsement.
Folarin Balogun could make his USA debut against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal.
His performances for Reims suggest the striker has come of age . In the 2022/2023 French Ligue One season, he has made 34 appearances, 31 of these games from the start plus 3-substitute appearances and was at some point the French Ligue One top-scorer.
Balogun scored his 19th Ligue One goal of the season on May 12, 2023, in Reims 2-1 loss to Lens.
His decision to switch will not be felt by Nigeria as the West African country never had a breakthrough in talks to have the youngster represent the Super Eagles.
