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Thursday, June 1, 2023

Nigerian-born Arsenal, England football star Bukayo Saka visits Nigeria

Nigerian-born Arsenal and England international star Bukayo Saka is in Nigeria following the conclusion of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

• June 1, 2023
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka

Nigerian-born Arsenal and England international star Bukayo Saka is in Nigeria following the conclusion of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The 21-year-old could be seen arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday alongside popular UK-based Arsenal fan Kelechi Anyikude.

Although Saka was born to Nigerian parents in Ealing, England, which made him eligible to represent Nigeria’s national team, the winger opted to represent England’s Three Lions instead in international football.

In 2020, speaking to Sky Sports shortly “on the tough“ decision after he pitched his tent with England, the then 18-year-old said, “It’s a tough choice.” 

But he added, “I’m happy to have represented England at youth level, but I’m also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents. We haven’t been picked by any team, so it’s about staying humble, and when the time comes, we’ll make the decision.”

Saka has made 26 appearances for the England national team, including the 2020 European Championship, where Three Lions reached the final but lost to Italy, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has scored six times for the Three Lions.

In the just-concluded season, Saka played an integral part in Arsenal’s return to Champions League football after they last featured in the elite competition during the 2016/17 season. 

He scored 14 league goals and made 11 assists to help the Gunners finish second.

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