Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is open to switching his allegiances from England to Nigeria ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But he would only feature in Qatar for the Three Lions.
England will head out to the Middle East to contest Group B with Iran, the United States of America and Wales. Gareth Southgate’s team will be among the favourites to win the title, as well. But Nigeria failed to qualify after losing to Ghana in the CAF third-round qualifiers.
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Balogun could represent the USA at the World Cup, as well, as the 21-year-old was born to Nigerian parents stateside. Yet he has not represented America since four U18 games back in 2018. Instead, the Gunners talent has focused on England with U17, 18, 20 and 21 caps.
Balogun has been a fixture of England’s U21 squad since his debut in September 2021 with eight starts across 13 games. He has also struck the back of the net seven times – including against Germany’s U21s this September. Lee Carsley has used him in each fixture possible.
Yet FIFA rules would let Balogun switch his allegiance from England and play for the senior Nigeria side. Gareth Southgate, then, may risk losing the New York City-born striker to the Super Eagles if he does not offer the Arsenal product a senior call-up to a Three Lions side.
Folarin Balogun is ‘open to’ switching his allegiance from England to Nigeria
But Balogun has told BBC Sport Africa that Nigeria would first need to ask the question of the Arsenal talent switching his allegiance from England. And if the Super Eagles did come calling, it would be a tempting proposition to consider playing for the country of his family.
“I haven’t heard anything from Nigeria, but I’m open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart,” Balogun said. “My family’s from there. I always have love for Nigeria.
“That’s [a call-up is] a conversation that I need to have with people around me, my agent and obviously 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.”
Balogun is unlikely to feature in England’s squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, despite his impressive form this season. Arsenal loaned the striker to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims for a season in August. He has since offered seven goals and two assists in 12 top-flight outings.
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