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Folarin Balogun: From Super Eagles Snub to World Cup Double Against Paraguay

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Folarin Balogun scored two goals for the United States against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier, reaffirming his decision to represent the USMNT.
  • Born to Nigerian parents, Balogun previously considered playing for Nigeria and England but ultimately committed to the US in 2023.
  • The striker expressed pride and satisfaction with his choice, stating his performance was a dream come true and a way to repay the fans' support.

Folarin Balogun delivered a dream performance for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), scoring a brace against Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier opener. The 24-year-old forward, born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents, has navigated a complex international allegiance, ultimately choosing to represent the USMNT.

Balogun's journey involved affiliations with three nations: Nigeria, England, and the United States. He represented England at the U-17 level and later switched his allegiance to the US. Just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Balogun expressed openness to playing for the Nigerian Super Eagles, stating, "My family's from there. I always have love for Nigeria... But if I was asked about the opportunity to play for Nigeria, then I can have that conversation."

My family's from there. I always have love for Nigeria. Playing for them is 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.

— Folarin BalogunSpeaking about his potential allegiance to Nigeria before committing to the USMNT.

However, no contact was made by the Nigerian Football Federation. In 2023, Balogun officially committed his international future to the USMNT, accumulating 28 caps and scoring 11 goals. This decision means he would not have been able to compete with Victor Osimhen for a spot in the Nigerian team, and crucially, it has allowed him to play in a World Cup and win over American fans.

A real dream, it's a dreamy night. I’ve not been able to take it all in. I’m sure when I get back to my hotel, I’m going to be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.

— Folarin BalogunReflecting on his performance after scoring two goals against Paraguay.

Following his stellar performance against Paraguay, Balogun confirmed his satisfaction with his choice. "A real dream, it's a dreamy night," he told ESPN. "I've not been able to take it all in. I'm sure when I get back to my hotel, I'm going to be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is."

He further elaborated on the motivation behind his decision: "When I committed, I've always said the fans gave me so much motivation, showed me so much support. For me, the most important thing has always been to repay that. I feel like today is a great opportunity, and I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision. I'm completely proud, and I want to continue to make the fans proud as well."

When I committed, I’ve always said the fans gave me so much motivation, showed me so much support. For me, the most important thing has always been to repay that. I feel like today is a great opportunity, and I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision. I’m completely proud, and I want to continue to make the fans proud as well.

— Folarin BalogunOn his decision to represent the United States and his performance.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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