Arsenal prolific winger Bukayo Saka is in Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest commercial capital, after a great campaign with Arsenal in the 2022/23 Premier League.
Saka, who shares a dual nationality with England and Nigeria, hit the streets of Lagos to the surprise of all after he wrapped up a storied Premier League campaign with Arsenal.
The England international was in white Caftan, a traditional dress style popular with Nigerians, as he arrived Lagos with his guards.
He took to his Instagram handle to announce his coming with a mixed dialect of English and Yoruba, his ethnic group. Saka thanked Nigerians for the warm welcome.
Bukayo in Lagos, meets Governor of Lagos, Sanwo Olu
After he touched down his roots in Lagos, Bukayo Saka met with the Governor of Lagos, Jide Sanwo Olu. He had a discussion with the Governor and gave him a signed Arsenal shirt.
Why is Bukayo Saka in Lagos?
The arrival of Bukayo Saka in Lagos comes as a surprise to all. The purpose of the visit remains unknown but it is evident the fast-rising Arsenal winger have anticipated this visit long before time.
While he did not officially disclose the purpose of this visit, Bukayo Saka’s activities since he arrived in Lagos has shaded light on the intention of the 21-year-old’s visit to Nigeria.
After his arrival video, Saka has shared another warm moment with his fans, supporters, and other Lagosians on a night out.
He could be seen in the video, addressing the supporters and posing with some of them as they shared a pleasant moment together.
Saka conveyed his greetings to the fans thanking them for coming out while expressing his joy of meeting them.
He wrote, “Great meeting you all. Thank you for coming out.”
Bukayo Saka in Lagos: who are his parents?
Bukayo Saka is a Nigerian by descent but was born in Ealling, England. Saka was born to Nigerian parents, Adenike and Yomi Saka.
Saka’s father, Yomi Saka, also shares a dual nationality. He was born in England after Bukayo Saka’s grandfather moved to the UK.
Saka’s mother, Adenike also lived with his husband, Yomi, in the UK. According to reports, Adenike’s father (Saka’s maternal grandfather) was one of the wealthiest men in Lagos.
Saka happened to be born to the family in 2001 in UK and automatically becomes a UK Citizen.
Saka grew up and nurtured his career in England. He is one of the most promising footballers playing for Arsenal in the English topflight.
Sharing a dual nationality, Bukayo Saka was qualified to play for Nigeria national team but he chose to play for England.
Speaking on his decision to play for the Three Lions, Bukayo Saka said he made the decision because of the transformation in the Three Lions squad but maintained he is still proud of his Nigerian heritage.
“I feel like I’m really, really proud of my Nigerian heritage,” Saka said.
“I always still watch Nigeria’s games where I can, and I wish them all the best and support them all the way.
“But I’ve seen the process of how England is transforming, and I think in the future, they’re going to do great stuff. I feel like it was right for me to choose England.”
Since making his debut for the Three Lions in 2020, Saka has won 20 caps, scoring 8 goals and is an integral member of the squad under current manager Gareth Southgate.
Despite his decision to go with England national team, Saka is still in touch with his roots in Nigeria. In 2022, he sponsored surgeries for 120 kids from poor homes in Kano, Nigeria.
Saka will return to England in a few days. He is part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the double header Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
