Nigeria-born USMNT Striker, Folarin Balogun Talks about Choice, Debut Goal

Nigeria-born USMNT Striker, Folarin Balogun Talks about Choice, Debut Goal 

By Gbenga Gboyega 

Arsenal loanee at Stade de Reims and Nigeria-born USMNT international, Folarin Balogun opened his record book for his national team, to help the United States clinch their 8th CONCACAF Gold Cup title, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Folarin initially qualified to play for three different nationals, through his place of birth in America to Nigerian Parents who raised him in England. But the 21-year-old eventually chose his place of birth for international duties. 

Recall that Folarin featured for the English national team in four different age-grade groups - U-17, U-18, U-20, and U-21, plus a four-game international friendly stint with the USMNT's U-18 side in 2018. 

During that period, Balogun registered 12 goals in 32 games, showing glimpses of his attacking prowess, which prompted his boyhood club Arsenal to send him on a season-long loan spell to Stade de Reims in the summer of 2022, where he bagged 22 goals and 3 assists in 39 games across all competitions in France.

While speaking to CBS Sports Golazo in a post-match conference after the final win against Canada, Balogun attested to the physicality that comes with American football.

"This was a different game to the one against Mexico, but it was also intense, and I still got a few knocks. This is the sport, and I'm used to these things and I'm over the moon that we were able to win."

Playing 153 minutes thus far since his debut against Mexico in Semis, (75', 76') Folarin cited areas of improvement in his game, including nurturing bonds with teammates. 

"After the game against Mexico, it's going to take some time for me to build relationships with my teammates, but I don't doubt myself. I saw Gio (Reyna) with the ball, and it was quality, and I just made a run in behind, to meet the slide pass to do what I normally do. And I'm just delighted it helped us win the game today.

"The resilience, the way we stick together, we saw it in my first game, and then here as well, we do support each other. I've only spent a short time here and I already feel like a part of the great feeling in the team."

Nigerians will reflect on the glimpse of hope they had barely a year ago when Folarin told BBC Sports Africa of his open-mindedness to offers, should they come his way.

"I haven't heard anything from Nigeria, but I'm open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart," Folarin said in August 2022. 

"My family's from there. I always have love for Nigeria" he added. 

With many wondering if he was ever approached by the coaching staff or the Federation, Folarin cleared the air by stating his side of the tale. 

"That's a conversation that I need to have with people around me, my agent and my family," 

"But if I was asked about the opportunity to play for Nigeria, then I can have that conversation. But first I need to be asked." - August 2022, according to BBC Sports Africa. 

All parties can now move on as Folarin Balogun has both made his debut, and opened his scoresheet for the United States Men's National Team, plus clinched his first title with his new national side.