'There were two Balogun number 26 shirts' – Arsenal's Balogun recounts facing Leon Balogun

Arsenal's on-loan striker Folarin Balogun has narrated his first encounter with Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun in a pre-season friendly last year.

The 21-year-old who is now on loan at French Ligue 1 side Reims explained how the two Baloguns from the opposing teams had the same name and jersey number (26) in the game.

Speaking on the possibility of committing his international career to Nigeria, the in-form Reims striker shared a little joke about having the same name as the Queens Park Rangers defender while reminiscing on their first encounter.

“Yes, Leon Balogun! We’re not related but I’ve played against him before! It was in a pre-season friendly between Arsenal and Rangers a little over a year ago,” he said.

“By the way, we both had the number 26 so there were two Balogun number 26 shirts on the pitch [laughs]. After the game, we had a little chat together. I think he’s playing for Queens Park Rangers this season.”

The game which was held at the Ibrox Stadium ended in a 2-2 stalemate with Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun scoring the first goal of the goal from a header.

The Reims striker has been in blistering form for the French club this season.

Balogun has managed 8 goals and two assists in 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Born to Yoruba parents in New York, Balogun is eligible to represent Nigeria at the international level as per FIFA regulation.