Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun reveals desire to play for Nigeria after England youth appearances

Marc Mayo26 October 2022

Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun has revealed his desire to one day play for Nigeria.

The 21-year-old was born in the United States before moving to England as a toddler, making his way through the Arsenal academy while making appearances for the youth sides of both national team.

With seven goals in 12 games on loan at Reims, Balogun is making a name for himself in France and wants an opportunity with Nigeria, the birthplace of his parents.

“I haven't heard anything from Nigeria, but I'm open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“My family's from there. I always have love for Nigeria.”

The Super Eagles, who failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, are yet to call-up Balogun and boast a number of top-level strikers at their disposal; including Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Kelechi Iheanacho.

He added: “That's 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.”

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