Arsenal's Nigerian Whizkid Provisionally Cap-Tied To England Selected To Represent USA

Published: August 20, 2018

The United States Soccer Federation has leapfrogged Nigeria and England in the race for the services of Arsenal wonderkid Folarin Balogun, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Balogun has received a maiden call-up to the United States U18 team for a tournament in the Czech Republic, and is in line to make his debut against Bulgaria on Wednesday, August 22.

The highly-rated 17-year-old, who is regarded as Nigeria's top scholar at Arsenal Academy, is provisionally cap-tied to England, having represented the Young Lions at the 2018 UEFA European Under17 Championship in May, playing four matches against Israel, Switzerland, Norway and Netherlands.

Fifa has to approve Balogun's request for a change of association if he is to play competitively for the United States because he has featured in official games for England U17s.

Since 2011, the offensive all-rounder has been on the books of the Gunners and ended last season as the top scorer for their U18 team with 13 goals in all competitions, including 9 in the U18 Premier League.

Balogun has also represented Arsenal U23 side in the Premier League 2.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com