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Arsenal Star Balogun Chooses USA Over Nigeria, England

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has chosen to represent United States of America ahead of Nigeria and England.

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) confirmed on Tuesday it has approved a request by the US Soccer Federation to change Balogun’s national eligibility from England.

“The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved,”FIFA spokesperson told the PA news agency.

The 21-year-old was born in New York, USA to Nigerian parents.

His parents emigrated to England when he was two years old.

Balogun has 19 goals in 34 games on loan at Reims from Arsenal this season in Ligue 1.

Folarin Balogun: Arsenal forward switches to USA from England

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Folarin Balogun has previously represented England in four different youth teams

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun's decision to switch international allegiance from England to the United States has been approved by Fifa.

The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan with French side Reims, was born in the US to Nigerian parents but raised in England.

Balogun has previously played for England Under-21s but withdrew from the squad in March because of injury.

He will not play in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship.

A Fifa spokesperson told BBC Sport: "The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved."

Balogun has scored 19 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances for Reims this season.

Speaking to US Soccer's official website, Balogun said the decision was a "no-brainer" and he feels at "home".

Balogun said: "When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, 'What took you so long?'

"To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I'm very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful."

He has previously said he would be open to representing Nigeria but has decided to become available for the United States - a choice he was eligible to make having not won a senior England cap.

Debate: Folarin Balogun made a massive mistake choosing the USMNT over England & Nigeria

Matt O'Connor-Simpson
16 May 2023

After months of speculation, Folarin Balogun finally ended the noise by opting to represent the USMNT over England and Nigeria.

Finally, Folarin Balogun has made his choice. After a breakout loan spell at Reims this season, the Arsenal youngster had international teams queuing up trying to earn his allegiance. And on Tuesday, he closed the debate by declaring for the United States.

But did he make the right choice? Although the chance to lead the line at a home World Cup in three years would have no doubt played a role in his decision, England must have been a very difficult project to turn down.

Harry Kane will take some shifting, but Balogun might have had a decent chance of making the Euro 2024 squad if he continued his goalscoring form during the 2023-24 season. Right now, the Three Lions also look fairly well placed to bring the World Cup home with them when they jet off to the U.S., Mexico and Canada in a few years time.

Then there's Nigeria. If Balogun had helped them the Super Eagles add another AFCON trophy to their collection or have a deep run at the World Cup, he would have instantly become an icon. So, has Balogun made the right choice? Have your say in the comment section below 👇