CanMNT talk: TFC's Akinola opts for Canada over the U.S.

Toronto FC forward Ayo Akinola has firmly committed his international future to Canada.

Canada Soccer announced on Wednesday that Akinola, 21, saw his change of national association finally approved, paving the way for him to make his debut for John Herdman's Canadian men's team at this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup.

Akinola grew up in Brampton, Ont., but he was born in Detroit and played for the United States at youth level before making his first senior team appearance in a friendly against El Salvador last December in which he scored.

However, FIFA regulations allow players 21 and under who have not made three senior team appearances to switch national associations. This switch had been in the works for some time, and now Akinola is officially a Red.

In the latest edition of the TFC Republic video blog, I look at Akinola's decision to represent Canada, and what it mean's for the men's team program both in the short- and long-term.

Watch the video blog below: