TheCable

Folarin Balogun, England U21 striker, says he is open to playing for Nigeria if he gets an invitation.

The 21-year-old attacker, who was born in the United States to Nigerian parents, spoke in a chat with BBC on Tuesday.

Balogun has represented England at several age-grade levels.

The Arsenal starlet, currently on loan at Reims FC, is eligible to play for Nigeria because, according to FIFA naturalisation rules, he has not played for the England senior side competitively.

Asked whether he is willing to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles, Balogun said “Nigeria is very close to my heart.”

He added that he is willing to make the switch if the country invited him.

“I haven’t heard anything from Nigeria, but I’m open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart,” he was quoted as saying.

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

“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.”

Balogun joined Arsenal at eight in 2012 and signed a professional contract for the club in 2019. He scored two first-team goals for the club before his loan spells.

His foray in Reims has started brightly with seven goals in his first 12 games.