NPFL: Plateau United snap up former home-Eagles midfielder 

The story of how Nigerian born Folarin Balogun became eligible to represent the United States national football team has emerged.

The Monaco striker scored twice for the United States Men’s National Team in the 4-1 win against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Balogun qualifies to represent the USMNT due to his birth in the United States 24 years ago. His US citizenship was an unexpected development, as recounted by his mother, Florence, in an interview with ESPN.

Florence, as quoted by ESPN, had traveled from London to the USA while seven months pregnant with Balogun. Upon attempting to return to London from New York, the airline denied her boarding due to her pregnancy, resulting in her giving birth to her son in Brooklyn, New York.

Within a month of his birth, Florence returned to London with baby Folarin and enrolled him in the Arsenal academy at the age of eight. He progressed through the ranks of the Premier League champions and represented England up to the U-21 level, while also participating in youth teams for the USA on occasion.

In 2023, he made the decision to join the USMNT and was entrusted by coach Mauricio Pochettino to spearhead the attack in the victory over Paraguay.

FIFA World Cup 2026: How airline made Folarin Balogun eligible to play for USA

Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has obtained his UEFA B coaching licence, DAILY POST reports.

The feat has further boosted Ogunmodede’s managerial credentials.

The UEFA B Licence is regarded as a significant step in coaching education in Europe.

Ogunmodede is regarded as one of the best young coaches in Nigeria.

The 45-year-old guided Remo Stars to win the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, title last season.

He was part of the Super Eagles coaching team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Super Eagles assistant coach bags UEFA B License

Former Watford captain, Troy Deeney, has named the two teams that will stop Arsenal from winning their first ever Champions League trophy this season.

The Gunners qualified for the quarter-finals on Tuesday night, after they eliminated Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate.

Mikel Arteta’s men will now take on Sporting Lisbon for a spot in the last four.

Although Deeney admitted that Arsenal are “answering every question” in England and Europe, he feels Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are better teams.

Deeney said on CBS Sports: “I think they can do more and can be fantastic but do I think they beat PSG? No.

“Do I think in a two-legged game they beat Bayern Munich? No.

“I know they beat them in the group stage but over two legs?”

UCL: Deeney names two teams that will stop Arsenal from winning trophy