Folarin Bolagun: Striker who rejected Nigeria laments penalty failure for Monaco

However, Balogun's lethal touch, which made him one of football's most intriguing young strikers last season, vanished against Nice in the Derby de la Cote d'Azur. - Instagram/Folarin Balogun

Folarin Bolagun: Striker who rejected Nigeria laments penalty failure for Monaco

Tosin Abayomi 20:00 - 23.09.2023

Folarin Balogun the striker who rejected Nigeria laments penalty failure for Monaco.

American professional football player of Nigerian descent Folarin Bolagun has risen to the top of the social media trends.

Balogun is top of the trends following a nightmare outing for his new side Monaco.

Folarin Balogun misses two penalties

The 22-year-old former member of the Arsenal youth team moved to Monaco this summer for a reported £35 million cost, and he got off to a flying start by scoring in just his second match which was a 2-2 draw against Lorient.

However, Balogun's lethal touch, which made him one of football's most intriguing young strikers last season, vanished against Nice in the Derby de la Cote d'Azur.

Folarin Balogun the striker who rejected Nigeria laments penalty failure for Monaco.- Imago
Folarin Balogun the striker who rejected Nigeria laments penalty failure for Monaco.- Imago

Balogun will likely have a restless night after missing twice from the penalty spot.

With 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 games for Rennes last season six of which came from the penalty spot, Balogun established himself on the international stage.

However, against Nice, he appeared as though he had never taken a penalty, with the first attempt coming in the 12th minute and being struck hard but just slightly off-center.

Balogun repeated what he had done before in the 55th when given the chance to make up for his earlier poor penalty.

Balogun's suffering was further exacerbated when the Swiss goalkeeper completed a man-of-the-match performance by laying the groundwork for Jeremie Boga to score an incredible stoppage-time winner at the Stade Louis II.

However, Balogun's lethal touch, which made him one of football's most intriguing young strikers last season, vanished against Nice in the Derby de la Cote d'Azur. - Instagram/Folarin Balogun
However, Balogun's lethal touch, which made him one of football's most intriguing young strikers last season, vanished against Nice in the Derby de la Cote d'Azur. - Instagram/Folarin Balogun

Balogun apologizes to Monaco fans

After his penalty misses, Balogun took to his official social media platforms to send a message to Monaco fans.

He said, "It is difficult to turn the page on last nights defeat.

"I know how much this game meant to the fans and us a team. I take responsibility but failed on this occasion

"I will always believe in myself and my focus is to make it right and help us all reach our objectives! DAGHE MUNEGU!"

Balogun returns to action when Monaco takes on Marseille in their next fixture scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023.

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