As Bukayo Saka concludes his trip to Nigeria, both Arsenal and England wonder, he
revealed that he came close to choosing Nigeria over England as his national team.
The 21-year-old footballer, who is currently on vacation in Lagos after the English football
season concluded, made an announcement in the Yoruba language through social media
while dressed in traditional white clothing during his visit to Bariga.
During his stay in Nigeria, Saka took the opportunity to visit several orphanages and offer his assistance. At one of the orphanages, a member of the staff asked him about his decision to represent the English national team instead of Nigeria.
Saka responded by stating that he had nearly played for one of Nigeria’s youth teams in
2019, as it was his father’s wish. However, circumstances led him to choose England, and
he now stands by that decision. Despite this, he emphasized that he still feels a strong
connection to Nigeria and his Nigerian heritage.
Following his visit to the orphanage, Saka met with Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the two-term
Governor of Lagos State. It is reported that he will now be traveling from Lagos to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. Rumors are circulating that Saka will have a meeting with the newly
elected President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his time in Abuja.
Saka’s visit to Nigeria has provided him with an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and engage with local communities, particularly orphanages. His presence and support have undoubtedly brought joy and inspiration to those he has encountered.
Despite his decision to represent England at the international level, Saka’s affection for
Nigeria remains unwavering, and he continues to embrace his Nigerian identity.
As Saka prepares to depart from Nigeria, it is clear that his trip has been meaningful and has allowed him to strengthen his ties to his ancestral homeland.
The experiences and interactions during his visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on him, both as a person and as a professional athlete.
