Bukayo Saka Finally Reveals Why He Snubbed the Super Eagles of Nigeria for England

Bukayo Saka Finally Reveals Why He Snubbed the Super Eagles of Nigeria for England

Ibitoye Shittu
updated at June 6, 2023 at 11:25 AM
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  • Bukayo Saka is an English international playing for Premier League club Arsenal
  • He was born in England to Nigerian parents but plays for the country of his birth
  • Saka is currently in Nigeria and has explained why he snubbed the Super Eagles

Arsenal forward, Bukayo Saka has explained that he was close to playing for the Nigerian national team previously, but said things did not work out as he expected them to.

Saka was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents and had the chance to play for the west African nation, but ultimately chose to represent the Three Lions of England.

Before the Gunners star chose England, former Nigerian Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick tried his best to convince the Arsenal man to pick the Super Eagles to no avail.

Bukayo Saka, Sanwo-Olu, Arsenal, Lagos
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka. Photo: Marc Atkins
Source: Getty Images

For the past few days, Saka has been in Nigeria and has also visited Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of the Lagos State.

During a visit to one of the orphanages in Lagos, the Arsenal player was asked about why he did not play for the Super Eagles, per the Sun and Reuben Abati.

Saka speaks on snubbing Nigeria

He replied that even his father had wanted him to represent Nigeria.

"I will tell you this. I was very close to playing for one of the youth teams in 2019. It was the wish of my father but things happen and you have to live with your decisions. I feel very much Nigerian and nothing can change that."

As part of the English national team, Saka scored on the global stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Bukayo Saka arrives in Nigeria

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported on Arsenal's star winger, Saka arriving in Lagos, Nigeria to visit after a long season with the second-placed Premier League giants.

The 21-year-old, who represents England at the international level, was born to Nigerian parents in London and has visited the west African country quite often.

Saka enjoyed his best season after helping Arsenal finish second in the EPL, with the Gunners star welcomed by a huge crowd in Lagos as he arrived for a visit.

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