The 21-year-old was born in the United States but he is willing to return to his roots
Reims striker Folarin Balogun has revealed that he is open to playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but he is yet to be approached.
Balogun is on the path to finding his feet in Europe after his loan move from Arsenal to Reims in the summer. The 21-year-old has been impressive this season, scoring seven goals and assisting two in twelve Ligue 1 appearances.
However, on the international scene, it is quite tricky for the New York-born striker.
Balogun has Nigerian parents, he was born in the United States of America, and was bred in England. As such, the Arsenal Academy product is eligible for all three countries.
The Reims man played for the US Under-18’s before switching to the English Youth sides in 2018. However, he has not been able to break into the Three Lions.
According to FIFA rules, because Balogun is yet to play for any country at the senior level, his options are still open.
Balogun has now revealed that he may be open to playing for Nigeria if an invitation comes.
“I haven’t heard anything from Nigeria, but I’m open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart,” Balogun told BBC Sport Africa.
“My family’s from there. I always have love for Nigeria.
“That’s a conversation that I need to have with people around me, my agent, and obviously my family.
“But if I was asked about the opportunity to play for Nigeria, then I can have that conversation. But first I need to be asked,” Balogun added.
The 21-year-old has been great this season, and if he continues on his current trajectory, Arsenal may keep him at the club.
The Super Eagles are not short of attacking talent, with Osimhen, Terem Moffi, and Sadiq Umar making waves in Europe. Still, Balogun would be a good addition to Nigeria.
