Red-hot Arsenal striker open to changing allegiance from England to Nigeria

Arsenal loanee at French Ligue 1 side Stade Reims, Folarin Balogun has reiterated that he is open to playing  for the Super Eagles despite the three-time African champions failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.  

Balogun fondly called 'Flo' at his parent club Arsenal has impressed while at Reims this season where he has scored seven goals and two assists in 12 matches. 

Born to Nigerian parents in the United States, Balogun is also eligible to play for the United States in Qatar 2022 but his chances of playing for Three Lions are slim due to the firepower possessed by England in attack. 

Balogun spoke to BBC Sport Africa on his aspirations to play for the Nigeria senior national team. 

“I haven’t heard anything from Nigeria, but I’m open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart,” Balogun admitted. 

“My family’s from there. I always have love for Nigeria," Balogun affirmed. 

Balogun made his England U21 debut in September 2021 and has had eight starts across 13 games. He has also struck the back of the net seven times – including against Germany’s U21s last month. 

Nigeria lost out on a place in the World Cup to the Black Stars of Ghana on the away goal rule after a scoreless first leg tie on Kumasi and 1-1 draw at the Moshood Abiola stadium Abuja back in March. 

Izuchukwu Michael

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