Super Eagles hope of capping in-form, Reims striker, Folarin Balogun may be facing a stiff test as US caretaker coach Anthony Hudson has confirmed that American officials have met with highly rated Arsenal star amid speculation he could pledge his international future to the United States.
Recall that Balogun’s international future has been a major talking point in recent weeks as the on-loan striker has lit up the Ligue 1 with Reims.
The New York-born Balogun, who moved to England as a two-year-old, could represent the United States, England and Nigeria, the country of his parents birth.
Balogun has 17 goals in the Ligue 1 this season while on loan at Reims and he is eligible to play for England, the U.S.A and Nigeria.
The striker was recently called up to play for England’s Under-21s but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Recent reports have linked him to an international career with the United States, speculation which intensified this week when it emerged Balogun had been spotted in Florida where the US have been preparing for Friday’s CONCACAF Nations League game in Grenada.
However, Hudson, who is taking charge of the US team this week with the future of former coach Gregg Berhalter uncertain, told journalists on a video-call Thursday that Balogun had met US team officials this week.
“As I’ve said before, we’ve had dialogue,” Hudson said. “We’ve spoken. He’s out here having a bit of a break and then some training, and we’ve had some discussions.
“I think it’s been good because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do and that’s it. I hope we get the chance to speak with him again.
“It’s been good and I know a few of the guys have spoken to him as well.”
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COMMENTS
My BROTHER go to where you will be VALUED just like you said…
Not some place where TOMORROW dem go say SNAKE abi na MOSQUITO self don SWALLOW your MATCH BONUS…
LMFAO!!!
GO, BECAUSE NO FUTURE HOLD WITH SUPER EAGLE AND NO PENSIONEER IN NIGERIA FOOTBALL AFTER RETIREMENT
And the lord will make His countenance shine uon you. YOU MADE A Good choice to snub Nigeria where a coach would open up his mouth that Akpom is not good enough to be called for Nigeria. Where a coach would say Bameyi and Musa deserve to be called ahead of players like Boniface, and Tesi.
I think we should leave our coach alone.. it is too early to criticize him.. he has asked to call just 20 foreign based players.. most of the foreign based players are boys who did well with him in the past.. onuchua played well in the last game against Portugal and should have been given the penalty to take.. the Samuel guy the right back was our man of the match in the Portugal game, our defense is filled with players with super eagles experience..
Thks is an international game with very little training preparatory for matches, no time to bud new players..
Akpom, orban , Boniface will all take their chances in the future after this game
@Ololo, nobody is blaming the coach. In fact, the coach is doing good work.
The problem of Nigeria football is NFF. For Musa to be included in that list have the hand of NFF.
Is not the responsibility of coach to pay bonus on time. Payment of bonuses, insurance of players, retirement plan for players and other benefits are NFF responsibility.
So, I don’t blame any player that drop Nigeria to play for country that is serious.
We have nothing to lose if balagun plays for the US .. there are excess strikers doing well at the moment playing for Nigeria.. some are yet to receive First invite to the team so we should wish balogun luck with the US… We still have akpom, orban , Boniface all waiting for their chance.. what will balagun do that oshimen or moffi cannot do..
Success on yuur future balagun
SE coach Should make bringing in young talented Midfielders into the team a priority…….We need talented attacking Midfielders that can make our attack fluid…… Enough of all this static Midfielders that can only defend…… Akinsanmiro (inter),and Eletu(Ac Milan) should be seriously monitored for the future…….Eze Should be made a serious priority especially now that it’s becoming clear to him that he will never be selected by England……. Midfield is where we should declare a state of emergency.
YOU CANNOT LOSE WHAT YOU NEVER HAD…
Good luck to Folarin.