Despite being eligible to represent England, the United States and Nigeria, Stade Reims striker, Folarin Balogun, says he’s still undecided on his international career, however, reports say he may opt to play for the United States after a recent cryptic message on Instagram.
The striker who has represented England at junior level was snubbed by England manager Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions’ UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine despite his impressive goal scoring form for Ligue 1 side Reims while on loan from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Born in New York to Nigerian parents, Folarin’s family migrated to England when he was two years old. He recently pulled out of the U-21 squad due to injury.
Questions over where his international allegiance will lie has been posted to the 21-year-old on several occasions with Nigeria and the United States known to have made moves to secure his services, however, the striker in a recent interview with Sky Sports has revealed that he is yet to make a decision on his future.
“My international future is not decided yet in terms of where I’ll play for but of course I wanna play international football at the highest level in the world cups and I wanna compete at the highest level, I wanna put myself in positions where I’m performing in front of millions of people,” Balogun told Sky Sports.
However, according to Tribalfootball, the Reims forward may have made his international future known after posting a picture of himself in Florida with a cryptic message “In life go where you are appreciated.” And the anthem of the United States.
Balogun has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances for Reims this season.