Bukayo Saka, the England International of Nigerian descent has returned to London after his short vacation in Lagos, Nigeria.
The English football player landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Saka came to Lagos, Nigeria on vacation for several purposes following the end of the 2022/2023 sweet-bitter Premier League campaign.
The Gunners finished second in the Premier League behind Manchester City, on the strength of Saka’s performance.
Saka also served as a model for the Gunners’ new home shirt for the 2023–24 season, which was created by multinational sports brand Adidas, and received a significant pay raise at the season’s conclusion as part of his new deal with the club that runs through 2028.
Fans and pundits are left to wonder why Saka has made this journey to Nigeria at the end of the season in the first place without any official explanation.
Some have speculated that he is making the trip so that he can spend more time with his Nigerian relatives.
Some believe he is looking into ways to give back to the area that helped mold his talents, like supporting youth football programmes or getting involved in charity work.
Whatever the reason, Saka’s arrival in Nigeria has revitalized the ambitions of young footballers across the country. His meteoric climb to fame is an inspiring example of how hard effort, ability, and perseverance can lead to one’s goals being realized.
His life story is shaping up to be a defining moment in his already impressive career, one that will live on in the memories of his many devoted followers and serve as an inspiration to others who doubt that hard work and confidence can ever pay off.
The 21-year-old by native name, Bukayo Ayoyinka Saka took to his Instagram page on Thursday, June 8, to thank Nigerians and share the wonderful moments he had during his visit to the mega city of Nigeria.
The Arsenal left winger was seen with people and places he visited, in a short video he posted on his social media handle. Some of his lovers were seen chanting his name as one of them shouted three gbosa (hails) for Saka.
Saka took time to appreciate the love and support shown to him along with pictures and video he captioned, “E se gan (thank you so much)”.
He added: “Thank you Lagos! I appreciate all the love you showed me whilst I was here. Until next time”.
Saka, who was born to Nigerian immigrants in England, could have chosen to play for the Super Eagles, the Nigerian national team, but instead opted to represent his country of birth, England.
Some of the notable places Bukayo Saka visited during his vacation in Nigeria.
On Thursday, June 2, while in Lagos, Saka had the opportunity to visit and speak with Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the two-term governor of Lagos State.
Before heading to Lagos for a meeting with Arsenal fans, he gave Sanwo-Olu a jersey as a gift.
Saka continued his holiday by visiting his grandparents in Kwara State, and he will soon be heading back to Europe.
What’s next for Bukayo Saka?
The 14-time Premier League goal scorer for Arsenal will be back in the Gunners teams as they’ll remain focused on their pre-season tour. Before then, he is expected to join the Three Lions of England for the June international break.
