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Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is eligible to represent Nigeria at international level but here’s why playing for the Super Eagles could be the wrong choice.
21-year-old striker Folarin Balogun has had a superb 2022/23 season so far which has led to curiosity about his international future as is always the case with players that have multiple nationalities.
Balogun joined Reims on loan from Arsenal at the start of the season and has already scored 14 goals in 20 games so far, making him the top scorer in Ligue 1.
Such high-level performance at club level makes him coveted by the national teams looking to get his commitment.
Who is Balogun eligible for?
His very Nigerian name gives Balogun away but the Super Eagles are just one of three teams vying for his international allegiance.
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Folarin was born in New York, USA to Nigerian parents which makes him eligible to represent the US Men’s National Team.
The Arsenal man grew up in England having moved there early in his life with his family which makes him eligible for the Three Lions and has even been quoted as saying he “feels English.”
Balogun last played international football for England u-21s and has represented the country across every youth level down to the u-17s.
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He also played a number of games for the United States u-18 team which leaves Nigeria as the odd one out, the only team he’s eligible for without representing so far.
Balogun should play for the USMNT
As it stands Nigeria is not a likely destination for Balogun and it is best he keeps it that way for purely footballing reasons and nothing else.
The Super Eagles currently have an overload in the centre-forward position led by one of the best strikers in the world in Victor Osimhen.
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Beyond Osimhen, there are a number of good centre forwards on the wait list still yet to get a consistent run in the national team like Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, David Okereke, Cyriel Dessers etc.
Nigeria simply does not need Balogun at the moment and vice versa, what the young striker needs is a national team he can play for consistently and lead from the front.
That criteria also rules out his personal first choice England with Harry Kane not going anywhere anytime soon and a long list of strikers ahead of him in the pecking order.
This leaves the United States as his best option and they also need him just as much as he needs them which makes it perfect.
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The USMNT is at the best it has ever been speaking purely from a talent perspective, with good players scattered around different positions but the centre-forward spot.
Dallas-based Jesus Fereira, Antalyaspor striker Haji Wright and Norwich star Josh Sargent were all occupied the centre-forward spots at least once each in USA’s four games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
This rotation suggests that coach Gregg Berhalter is not convinced by any of his current centre-forward options, including Groningen striker Ricardo Pepi who didn’t even make the World Cup squad.
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If he opts to play for the US, Balogun instantly becomes the undisputed starter up front and could form a dangerous attack with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna, Timothy Weah and the other exciting players in this current USMNT crop.
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