Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

NationWide

CJN seeks strong legal protection for maritime sector

Mrs Kekere-Ekun described maritime law as one of the principal pillars supporting global commerce.

Alcoholic beverages in sachet

NationWide

NAFDAC begins nationwide mop-up of banned sachet alcohol

The agency stated that the nationwide exercise underscored its commitment to protecting public health. 

Kano State House of Assembly

States

Kano assembly adopts bill to establish state electricity agency

The speaker said the bill would now be transmitted to the executive arm for assent.

Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM)

States

Benue varsity ASUU suspends seven-week strike

ASUU-MOAUM commenced an indefinite strike on June 1 over unresolved welfare and governance issues. 

Olushola Yusuf

Anti-Corruption

Nigerian pharmacist Olushola Yusuf convicted of drug trafficking, flooding Florida community with 335,000 oxycodone pills

Ms Yusuf charged “extraordinary cash prices, served drug dealers and customers who travelled long distances, and put profit ahead of patients”.

three suspected cultists

Heading 2

Police nab three suspected cultists in Lagos

The command’s spokesperson said the suspects were arrested following credible information from members of the public.Â