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Tag: Bukayo Saka

  • Why I shunned Super Eagles for England national team – Saka

    Why I shunned Super Eagles for England national team – Saka

    Three Lions and Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka has stated reasons why he shunned Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the England national team.

    Saka presently holidaying in Nigeria his country of descent has been giving back to society by visiting orphanages with cash and gift items.

    In one of the orphanages he visited, the 21 year old was asked by a staff of the organization why he decided to pick the English national team ahead of the senior national team of 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,’ he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

    Report also says that part of Saka’s itinerary whilst in Nigeria is to visit President Bola Tinubu before returning to England to team up with England squad for the UEFA Nations League matches.

    ‘A visit to the president is on their list but I don’t know if it will be possible. He looks quite a lovely lad and shy. At the orphanage we couldn’t believe who was next to us. So humble and down to earth’, staff of the orphanage home stated. 65

  • Bukayo Saka, my favourite Arsenal player – Gov. Sanwo-Olu

    Bukayo Saka, my favourite Arsenal player – Gov. Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday described Arsenal’s Busayo Saka as his favourite player in the English Premier League side.

    Sanwo-Olu, who met with Saka at the Lagos House, Marina, expressed on his Facebook page excitement at receiving his own signed Saka jersey.

    “Exciting day at the State House, Marina today as I had the pleasure of hosting my favourite Arsenal player, star boy Bukayo Saka, @BukayoSaka87.

    “I also enjoyed receiving my own signed Saka jersey. As a proud #Gunner, I am incredibly proud of their inspiring run in the Premier League with such a young team.

    “Their determination has motivated many and showed us the power of youth. We are committed to bringing that same spirit to grassroots football in Lagos State.

    “Together, let us create opportunities for our talented young players. Thank you for visiting me Bukayo and I look forward to next season,’’ he wrote.

    The Arsenal forward, Saka earlier visited Egbeda area of Lagos State, the area of residence of his parents.

    During the visit to Egbeda, Saka wore a white native dress atop sneakers and acknowledged cheers from a tumultuous crowd chanting: “Saka’’, “Saka’’ as he moved round the neighbourhood.

  • Arsenal star, Saka meets Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos

    Arsenal star, Saka meets Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos

    Three Lions and Arsenal star of Nigeria’s descent, Bukayo Saka presently holidaying in Nigeria  met with the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu today.

    Saka met with the governor after Manchester’s defeat of neighbour Manchester United at Wembley stadium on Saturday.

    City defeated Manchester United 2-1 to win the FA cup.

    However, in a statement by the governor on his official social media platforms, he explained the meeting with the Arsenal star.

    Sanwo-Olu explained his delight at meeting Saka because he is an Arsenal supporter.

    The governor said that Saka fibishing second with Arsenal has greatly inspired the youths in the country.

    The statement by Sanwo-Olu said, “Exciting day at the State House, Marina today as I had the pleasure of hosting my favorite @Arsenal player, Star Boy Bukayo Saka. @BukayoSaka87.

    “I also enjoyed receiving my own signed Saka Jersey.

    “As a proud #Gunner, I’m incredibly proud of their inspiring run in the Premier League with such a young team.

    “Their determination has motivated many and shown us the power of youth. We’re committed to bringing that same spirit to grassroots football in Lagos.

    “Together, let’s create opportunities for our talented young players.

    “Thank you for visiting me Bukayo and I look forward to next season.”

    Saka has been giving bck to the society since he traveled to Nigeria few days ago. He’s expected back to team up with England teammates for UEFA Nations League.

     

  • Arsenal Star, Saka storms Nigeria for holiday, plans to give back to his country of descent

    Arsenal Star, Saka storms Nigeria for holiday, plans to give back to his country of descent

    The Three Lions of England football star of Nigeria descent, Bukayo Saka is currently holidaying in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The Arsenal left winger, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

    Saka comes to Lagos on vacation following the conclusion of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

    The youngster played an important role for the Gunners as they finished second in the Premier League behind eventual winners Manchester City.

    Recall that Saka recently signed a mouth-watering contract extension with the Gunners, the deal is expected to see him play at the Emirates till 2028.

    Born to Nigerian immigrants in the United Kingdom, Saka has always been tipped to wear the Green and white of the Super Eagles but chose to represent England the country he was born.

    With roots traced back to Nigeria through his parents, Saka’s visit isn’t just a casual holiday. Reports suggest that the English international is slated to meet with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. While the purpose of this meeting remains unconfirmed, it opens up avenues for potential collaborations between Saka and the Lagos government to support local sports initiatives.

    Reports show that Saka is in the country to give back to his country of descent and also help to develop football in the country.

    Saka’s main purpose of visiting Nigeria will be made known anytime from this moment, but TheNewsGuru.com cam authoritatively say that it’s football related.

  • Arsenal set to offload ten players, target summer signings

    Arsenal set to offload ten players, target summer signings

    Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta will offload about ten players to fund his summer spending ahead of next season.

    Arteta will be given £200 million ahead of next season in an attempt to bolster a squad that failed to sustain a title charge.

    Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo have attracted interest from the Gunners.

    Arteta is also likely to target defensive cover, both at full-back and center-half.

    The Spaniard is also looking for a winger who can provide competition for Bukayo Saka, and possibly a striker who can act as a target man.

    Arsenal hope to raise about £100 million from player sales with some popular figures likely to depart.

    The likes of Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Folarin Balogun, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares, who have all spent the season out on loan, will also be made available for transfer.

    Granit Xhaka has been linked with a return to the Bundesliga, while the club is also open to offers for Emile Smith Rowe following an injury-hit campaign.

    Long-serving defender Rob Holding has possibly played his last game for Arsenal is also set to leave, while Arsenal will reluctantly allow Kieran Tierney to leave amid interest from Newcastle.

  • Arsenal to make Saka highest paid player in new deal package

    Arsenal to make Saka highest paid player in new deal package

    Arsenal’s  winger, Bukayo Saka will sign a new long term contract with the Gunners anytime from now.

    It’s believed that the contract is in the region of four years and  will run till the summer of  2028. Saka’s current contract ends in 2024 and he’s been offered a decent deal.

    With the new  deal, he is expected to earn four times his current salary and become the Gunners’ highest-paid player.

    Daily Mail revealed Saka, who earns a weekly wage of £70,000 per week is on the verge of signing a contract worth a cool £300,000-per-week.

    According to Capology, Saka will become the joint-ninth highest-paid player in the Premier League when he officially puts pen to paper.

    Saka has played a pivotal role as the Gunners occupy top spot in the Premier League with 10 games remaining.

    He has started every match for Arsenal in England’s top tier this season, scoring an impressive 12 goals and recording 11 assists.

  • Arsenal Winger, Bukayo Saka Sponsors 120 surgeries in Nigeria

    Arsenal Winger, Bukayo Saka Sponsors 120 surgeries in Nigeria

    Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka has sponsored ‘life-changing operations’ for 120 children in Kano state, Nigeria.

    BigShoe, the charity organisation who partnered with Saka to help poor children with medical operations, announced the sponsorship in a tweet on Thursday.

    The organisation revealed that the children had their surgeries at the Prime Specialist Hospital in Kano.

    “Proud to announce our newest BigShoe family member: @BukayoSaka87 In front of the World Cup 2022 we’ve covered 120 life-changing surgeries for children in Kano, Nigeria. A big thank you to the doctors and team of the Prime Specialist Hospital,” the tweet reads.

    In his remark, Saka said he is always happy to help children facing challenges achieve their dreams.

    “For me, every child has the same opportunity to achieve their dreams and if I can really do anything to help, it’s really important for me to do this,” he said.

    “It makes me very happy, especially when I see the kids are happy, the parents are happy. I just want to more and more as much as I can.”

    Despite choosing to represent England over Nigeria, the 19-year-old Bukayo Saka conceded that he feels connected to Nigeria regardless, a fact that may have weighed in sponsoring the operations.

    He also appreciated BigShoe for ensuring the project becomes a reality.

    ‘I feel blessed to be in a position where I can contribute to making the children’s lives easier and better through these surgeries.

    ‘I still feel very connected to Nigeria. For me, it is very important to use my abilities to have a positive impact where I can and I have to say a big thank you to the whole BigShoe team for making this possible.

  • Qatar 2022: Players of Nigerian descent who will feature for other countries at the World Cup

    Qatar 2022: Players of Nigerian descent who will feature for other countries at the World Cup

    The Super Eagles might not have qualified for the World Cup starting in a couple of days time in Qatar, but there are a couple of players with Nigerian heritage that will be featuring for their adopted country at the mundial.

    Here is a list of the  players who will do business for other countries at the mundial.

    Karim Adeyemi

    Karim Adeyemi was born on 18 January 2002 in München Germany, to a Nigerian father, Abbey Adeyemi, and Romanian mother, Alexandra Adeyemi, and has represented Germany at all age-grade sides.

    He played for TSV Forstenried from 2007-2009, for FC Bayern München from 2009-2011, for TSV Forstenried from 2011-2012, for SpVgg Unterhaching from 2012-2018, for FC Liefering from 2018-2019, for FC Red Bull Salzburg from 2020-2022 and has played for Borussia Dortmund since 2022.

    He has participated in youth international competitions for Germany’s under-16, under-17, and under-21 teams. On September 5, 2021, in a 6-0 victory against Armenia in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying game, he made his senior team debut for Germany. In the first minute of second-half injury time, he came on as a late substitution and scored his team’s sixth goal.

    Adeyemi has been called up by the German national team for the world Cup holding in Qatar.

    Manuel Akanji

    Another World Cup bound player of Nigerian descent is Manuel Akanji. The 27-year-old Manchester City defender was born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother.

    He has been called up to the Switzerland team to the mundial, he was also part of the team in 2018.

    He was one of Switzerland’s best performers in Russia as he helped the team to the knockout stage from Group E, which had five-time champions Brazil, fellow Europeans Serbia and Brazil 2014 World Cup quarterfinalists Costa Rica.

    Noah Okafor

    is another player of Nigerian descent who plays for Switzerland.

    Noah Arinzechukwu Okafor. Noah was born on the 24th day of May 2000, to his mother (Nicole Okafor) and father (Christian Okafor), in Basel, Switzerland.

    The Swiss footballer holds two nationalities. First, he is Nigerian through his Dad (Christian Okafor. Secondly, Noah Okafor has Swiss nationality by virtue of his birth. Also, because Switzerland is Nicole Okafor’s country of origin.

    Okafor currently plays for Austrian side FC Salzburg and will feature at the world Cup in Qatar for Switzerland.

     

    Bukayo Saka

    Saka was born in Ealing, Greater London, to Yoruba parents Adenike and Yomi Saka.

    Saka is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger, left-back, or midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. Saka is known for his attacking incisiveness and creativity, and is often considered one of the best young football players in the world.

    The Arsenal youngster burst onto the scene two seasons ago and has grown to be one of the Gunners’ key players under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage. Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 21-year-old was eligible to feature for the Super Eagles but chose the Three Lions.

    Jamal Musiala

    was born to a British-Nigeria father in Stuggart and has a German mother. He moved to England at seven and featured for the English U-17 side but snubbed the nation and Nigeria for his mother’s nation at the senior level.

    He made his debut for the Europeans in March 2021 and has since then played 16 more games for the side with one goal to his credit.

    The dazzling Bayern Munich’s forward will definitely deliver for Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    Ike Ugbo

    is another player of Nigerian descent  that will represent another country in Qatar.

    He was born in London to Nigerian/Igbo  parents but the family moved to Canada when he was aged five.

    Ugbo has been called up by the Canada coach in their 26-man list. He was part and parcel of the team through out the qualifiers.

    He plays for  Troyes in the French Ligue 1

    Samuel Adekugbe

    Samuel Adekugbe is another player who will feature for Canada at the mundial starting in Qatar on the 20th of November.

    He was born in England to Nigerian parents but his family moved to Canada many years ago.

    Adekugbe grew up in Manchester until his family moved to Calgary, Alberta when he was nine… won the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship with the Whitecaps, the club’s first Voyageur’s Cup.

    Samuel Ayomide Adekugbe  plays as a left-back for Süper Lig club Hatayspor and the Canada national team.

    The 27-year-old defender’s family later moved to Canada and the player who features for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor is on the plane to the Middle East nation

  • EPL: Arsenal boss, Arteta gives update on Saka’s injury

    EPL: Arsenal boss, Arteta gives update on Saka’s injury

    Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has doused tension concerning the Bukayo Saka’s injury in their 5-0 drubbing of Nottingham Forest on Sunday over the weekend in the English Premier League.

    Recall that Saka couldn’t complete the match after leaping off the pitch in the second half and was replaced by Reiss Nelson.

    Arteta has now played  played down injury fears over Saka and does not believe the 21-year-old will miss the World Cup in November.

    Speaking post-match, Arteta admitted Saka got a ‘bad kick’ but did not initially fear anything more serious.

    “Hopefully not [the World Cup in doubt],” Arteta told a press conference.

    “It was a bad kick, he was limping but I don’t see it further than that. Both foot and ankle, he got kicked a few times.”

    Nelson, who came on to replace Saka inside half an hour, scored two goals and provided an assist in the encounter.

  • Bukayo Saka named England’s Player of the Year

    Bukayo Saka named England’s Player of the Year

    Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been named England’s Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

    The 21-year-old won the award ahead of second-placed Declan Rice, of West Ham, following a public vote.

    Saka was praised for the manner in which he bounced back from the heartbreak of missing the decisive penalty in the shootout of the Euro2020 final.

    The forward made nine appearances for his country in the aftermath of that defeat to Italy, and scored World Cup qualifying goals against San Marino, and home and away to Andorra.

    Tottenham striker Harry Kane came third.