Arsenal FC young striker, Folarin Balogun is one of the hottest footballers in Europe. The 21 year old frontman, who is on loan at Reims in Ligue 1, the highest division of club football in France, is having a prolific season, after scoring 17 goals in 27 matches. He is only behind global superstar, Kylian Mbappe and Canada’s striker Jonathan David with 19 goals each, in the race to the Golden Boot. He has outscored Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ben Yedder, and many other superstars in the French Ligue 1.
Eligible Countries to Play For
Three countries – Nigeria, England, and the United States of America, are vying for the talented footballer, who is eligible to play for any of them.
Balogun has represented England at international Youth levels. He played for the England under-17 team at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2018; the tournament was hosted by England. He also represented England’s under- 18 national team, the under-20 team and the under-21 team. Before playing for England’s under-18 team, Folarin briefly featured for the USA under-18 team and has been followed up by the USA’s football association for him to switch his allegiance.
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has been on Folarin’s heels to represent them and snub Nigeria and England. The interim coach of the USMNT, Anthony Hudson, disclosed to ESPN that he has held talks with the striker. Folarin made four appearances for the US under-18 team, scoring two goals in a tournament hosted by the Czech Republic.
Folarin has also expressed his interest to play for his parents’ country, Nigeria. He however stated that he enjoys how the English Men National team plays due to their similarities with his parent club, Arsenal.
Why can he play for any of these three countries?
Balogun can play for any of Nigeria, England and USA because of his ancestry, birth and Folarin was born in Brooklyn, New York City, USA, to Nigeria parents. His family moved to England when Folarin was two years old, meaning he was raised in a European country. This means by descent, he is a Nigerian. He is an American by birth while He is an English by naturalization.
In order for Folarin to play for the USMNT, he would file a one-time switch with FIFA.
FIFA’s Eligibility Rules
According to FIFA’s 2021 eligibility rules, a footballer can play for a National team if:
- The footballer was born in the country or his ancestry can be traced through any of his parents.
- The footballer holds citizenship of the country he wants to represent.
- The footballer has not played in more than three competitive matches, as long as the competition is not the FIFA World Cup and continental competitions prior to the age of 21.
- The player had only played in non-competitive matches at any age.
Current Super Eagles Footballers who switched allegiance to Nigeria
Alex Iwobi : Born in Nigeria but grew up in England.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: Born in Nigeria but grew up in Spain and England.
Williams Troost-Ekong: Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian Father and Dutch mother.
Leon Balogun: Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother.
Ademola Lookman: Born in England to Nigerian parents.
Joe Aribo: Born in England to Nigerian parents.
Cyriel Dessers: Born in Belgium to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother.
Kevin Akpoguma: Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother.
Ola Aina: Born in England to Nigerian parents
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