Now the million-dollar question is which national team Balogun would choose. The three teams Balogun is eligible to join are the USMNS (United States Men’s National Soccer Team), Nigeria, and England. There is indeed a tussle going on between the three nations over acquiring the star.
Will it Be Nigeria?
One should never forget where he came from. If Balogun chooses to play for Nigeria, he will set an example of how important a person’s roots are to him. While speaking to BBC Sports Africa, he had expressed his interest to play for Nigeria, a country his parents belonged to. He even confessed his love for Nigeria, saying that the country was close to his heart. However, he also mentioned that the NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) should get in touch with him. They must also convince him first before he makes a decision.
On the contrary, Hammed Adio, a Nigerian reporter, had said that Balogun must be given the liberty of selecting the country he desires. He even said that NFF shouldn’t beg or persuade him a lot.
Should He Zero in On the United States?
The United States is equally dear to Balogun as that’s his place of birth. It is no secret that the United States isn’t leaving any stone unturned to rope in Balogun for the 2026 World Cup they would probably be hosting jointly with Mexico and Canada. Reports say that his fans in the United States are putting all efforts into convincing Balogun to choose his birth country as his national team before the 2026 World Cup. His tremendous performance has sent his fans into a frenzy. They have even urged the federation to initiate further through their comments and posts on Twitter.
American coach, Eric Wynalda, speaks on the same lines as Balogun’s fans. He says that getting Folarin Balogun on the national team would put an end to a lot of their problems. He also mentioned that he liked everything about Balogun, from his power to the timing he took while running. Wynalda continues that the onus lies on the US to let him know that he would be a star in the 2026 Word Cup, that too in the country he was born in.
Does England Have a Better Chance to Own Balogun?
Balogun grew up in London and represented England in most U21 games. In fact, in one of his statements, Balogun mentioned liking and enjoying England’s style of playing. He seems to have been finding it similar to that of Arsenal. However, will he be able to make a mark for himself if he chooses England? Or will he face stiff competition from the stalwart English players Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford? It’s a point of concern indeed.
Eric Wynalda also said that if Balogun chose England, he wouldn’t be a star, but if he decided on the US, he would.
Conclusion
Which country Balogun chooses for the World Cup is left for time and him to decide. In an interview published last year, he said that he would decide soon. He even stated that his decision wouldn’t be influenced by the media’s and people’s thoughts. He would do what’s best for him and will even talk to his family in this regard.
There is no denying that each of the three countries is special to him in some way or the other. As he says, he feels English, but at the same time, he has most of his family in New York. Likewise, his mom at times converses with him in Yoruba, not to forget his Nigerian roots. Whatever decision he makes, may he shine and achieve more laurels in the future matches he plays.
