"This means a lot": Folarin Balogun Ditches Nigeria and England to Play for USA

• Folarin Balogun has decided to represent USA
• The English Nigerian's nationality switch has been approved by FIFA
• Balogun has represented England at junior levels

Stade Reims forward Folarin Balogun has snubbed England and Nigeria to play for the United States Men's Soccer Team at the senior level.

Born to Nigerian parents in New York, the 21-year-old, after representing England at youth level, has decided to play for the country of his birth.

Balogun, until his nationality switch was approved, was eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

"The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved," a FIFA Spokesperson told the BBC.

He was expected to feature for the youth Three Lions at the Euro U21 championship but the latest move means his time with the European country has ended.

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Balogun, who is an Arsenal player but on loan at Reims, has been in fine form in Ligue and insists picking US over the other nations was a 'no brainer.'

 "When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, 'What took you so long?'," he told the US Soccer team's official website.

"To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I'm very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful."

Balogun has scored 19 goals and provided three assists in 34 matches for Reims.

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The Super Eagles star led Gli Azzurri to their first league title in 33 years, after scoring 23 goals in Serie this season.

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