The Nigerian Football Federation(NFF) has stepped up its plan to snatch Bukayo Saka from representing England at the senior level.
The 18 years old Arsenal prodigy born September 5, 2001, in Ealing, England, to Nigerian parents. And by such is eligible to play for Nigeria due to his parent
He made his senior competitive debut for Arsenal against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League match when he came on as a substitute in the 68th minute.
While he made his Premier League debut for Arsenal in a 4-1 win against Fulham as a substitute for Alex Iwobi in January 2019.
Bukayo Saka has represented England in its underage team, including at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, and Under-19, but yet to earn his senior c
8 – Bukayo Saka has assisted eight goals in all competitions this season, two more than any teammate; he also has the most assists of any Premier League teenager this season. Bright. pic.twitter.com/C8ea17WbB2
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 16, 2020
all-up.
Saka has 27 appearances this season with five assists and one goal for Arsenal. In a bid to persuade Bukayo Saka to sign a new deal, he has been handed the number 7 jersey.
England’s hope of easing Bukayo Saka into the England senior team is at risk as the Nigerian football body steps up its plan to promote the Arsenal winger to its senior national team as a way to persuade him to choose his parent’s nationality over the Three Lions of Egland.
The Nigerian Football Federation has delayed the execution of its plans due to the long absence of International fixtures caused by Covid-19 pandemic. As things begin take shape, the NFF will deploy all it has in it arsenal to secure the allegiance of Bukayo Saka.
The Nigerian Football body has failed in recent times to lure players of Nigerian decent to their host/birth country. An example is the failure of the federation to convince Chelsea duo of Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
However, success has been recorded with Victor Moses, Ola Aina, and Alex Iwobi switching allegiance after representing England in its underage category.
Arsenal, however, is sweating over tying down club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; with over 25 goals this season, he remains the club’s highest goalscorer with the team placed 10th.
For all his 66 goals in 107 games since joining the club in 2018, Aubemeyang hasn’t won a trophy for the club. Sources say he is beginning to grow frustrated with only a defeat in 2018 EFL final and Europa League 2019 final the closest the team has gotten to winning a trophy.
