Super Eagles strikers Akor Adams and Terem Moffi have led the tributes to Folarin Balogun after the Nigerian-heritage forward scored twice to inspire the United States to a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents but raised in London, delivered a stunning performance for the co-hosts, netting a first-half brace to earn the Man of the Match award and send the tournament’s home support into raptures.
Both Adams and Moffi took to Instagram to celebrate the 24-year-old’s display.
Adams posted a star and love heart emoji in appreciation of Balogun’s match-winning contribution, while Moffi was more effusive, posting “Balo!!!!” alongside fire emojis to capture his excitement at the performance.
Balogun’s heroics carried historic weight. He became the first United States men’s national team player to score two goals in a World Cup match since the very first tournament in 1930.
Speaking after the win, the Monaco forward reflected on a night that validated his controversial decision to commit his international future to the United States over both Nigeria and England.
“A real dream, it’s a dreamy night,” Balogun said. “I’ve not been able to take it all in. I’m sure when I get back to my hotel, I’m going to be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.
“When I committed, I’ve always said the fans gave me so much motivation, showed me so much support. For me, the most important thing has always been to repay that. I feel like today is a great opportunity, and I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision. I’m completely proud, and I want to continue to make the fans proud as well.”
He has since scored 11 goals in 28 appearances for the Americans, including Friday’s brace against Paraguay. At Monaco, he has flourished further, scoring 19 goals this season to earn the club’s player of the season award.
US captain Tim Ream gave a telling assessment of what Balogun brings.
“His movement in behind and getting himself in the goalscoring positions is something that we’ve been crying out for for a long time with the team. He’s probably the most annoying striker for me to have to deal with in training because he is so quick with his movements, physically strong and able to seemingly glide past people,” Ream said.
“I visualised my debut in the World Cup scoring, but the reality did surpass that of scoring two goals. And the second goal was a fantastic goal as well,” Balogun added.
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