Brilliant Balogun blasts past Moffi, Mbappe with perfect performance against Bonke’s Lorient

The Anglo-Nigerian forward delivered one of his finest displays since moving to France as he led the Red and Whites to an emphatic come-from-behind triumph

Folarin Balogun scored the first hat-trick of his senior career as he helped Reims roar from a two-goal deficit to beat Lorient 4-2 in a Ligue 1 match on Wednesday night.

On loan from Arsenal, Balogun has been the revelation of the season in the French top flight making himself a consistent goal-scoring medium for Reims.

And only a few days after netting a stunning, late equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to champions PSG, Balogun produced the goods again for the Reds and White against Lorient.

Lorient lost star forward Terem Moffi to OGC Nice on transfer deadline day but took little notice as they raced to a two-goal lead at the Stade Auguste Delaune courtesy of efforts from Enzo Le Fee and Ibrahima Kone.

But Balogun halved the deficit from the penalty spot just before the interval. And after Kamory Doumbia drew level for Reims minutes into the second half, Balogun scored twice in three minutes to earn the hosts the win.

Nigerian midfielder Bonke Innocent featured for 52 minutes before he was replaced. 

Before the game, Balogun only had 11 league goals for Reims but with his hat-trick, the 21-year-old jumps to 14 goals to become Ligue 1’s top scorer.

The England youth international thus surpasses Super Eagles striker Moffi (12) and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe (13) on the goalscorer’s chart.