FOLARIN Balogun helped the United States of America to win the CONCACAF Nations League title in the early hours of today with his first international goal for the national team he opted to play for.
The 21-year-old striker was born in the United States to Nigerian parents and grew up in England, making him eligible for all three countries.
The Arsenal star chose the USA at senior level, after playing for England U-21s and scoring seven goals in 13 games.
He scored the second goal in the Nations League final against Canada at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to earn his side a 2-0 win and the trophy.
Balogun finished crisply from close range after a clever run in behind the Canada defence and a precise pass from Giovanni Reyna in the 34th minute to open his international goals account on his second appearance.
Reyna also set up USA’s opening goal in the 12th minute for Chris Richards and the Americans held on the famous victory.
Balogun shone on loan last season at Reims, scoring 21 goals in 37 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.
It was his second loan spell away from Arsenal after previously spending time at Middlesbrough, but he has now declared that he is done with loan moves.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I’m just committed to now. I try to stay present,” he said when asked about his future plans with Arsenal.
“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”
It is believed that Balogun’s representatives and Arsenal will have a meeting in the coming days to sort out his future.
