The decision of Folarin Balogun to pick the United States of America ahead of Nigeria after deciding to dump his dream of making the senior national team of England has left his mother excited.
Balogun narrowed his choice to either Nigeria or the United States of America at senior level with England where he was a junior international having no space for him at the top. He picked France and it was confirmed by FIFA today.
The 21-year-old forward, on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims from Arsenal, was born to Nigerian parents in New York City and emigrated to England at the age of two. Balogun had represented both the US and England at the youth level, scoring seven goals in 13 caps for the latter’s Under-21 side.
A FIFA spokesperson told CBS Sports: “The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved.”
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Reacting to the reports, the forward who has 19 goals in 34 Ligue 1 game this season said his mother was over the moon with his choice of nationality saying she asked him why it took him that long to make up his mind.
” 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? “, he was quoted as saying by CBS Sports.
Daniel Martins
