By Uche Amunike
Arsenal Football Club star, Bukayo Saka’s Lagos visit for his vacation had elicited excitement from Nigerians and football fans all over the world, after he posted a video of himself in the busy Nigeria’s commercial capital city, Lagos, Thursday, specifically in the Bariga area of the city.
In the viral video, Bukayo Saka was seen dressed up in an all white attire, while being closely guarded by fierce looking bouncers. This video generated crazy reactions from all over the world, including from ex-Arsenal midfielder, Alex Iwobi.
In the video, which he captioned ‘E kúulé o’, a Yoruba greeting from a visitor to the people he meets at home, the 21 year old Bukayo Saka, thanked Nigerians for the warm welcome he received on arrival in Lagos.
Recall that the Super Eagles had courted Bukayo Saka to play for them, but he refused and rather opted for England’s Three Lions, where he is a major player.
Ever since he posted the viral video, over 20,000 Instagram users have commented on the short clip. So many of his fans haiiled him for not forgetting his Nigerian roots in spite of the fact that he is well established with Arsenal and the English national team.
Bukayo Saka’s Lagos visit is quite significant as most of his fans say that it is an opportunity for him to connect with his Nigerian roots. Some have suggested that he might well pay a visit to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as it is not every day that a successful football star who is not based in the country visits his home country.
He arrived Nigeria through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, in Lagos on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 and he is taking a break with this much needed vacation after the conclusion of the 2022/23 Premier League season. The 21 year old football star, played a very important role for the Gunners when they came second in the Premier League behind Manchester City, who eventually won.
Recall that, Bukayo Saka modeled the new home Jersey designed by international sports brand, Adidas, for the 2023/24 season, shortly before he arrived Nigeria. He also ended the season with a large pay rise on his new contract, which will last till 2028 with the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka was born in England to Nigerian parents and has always shown his pride in having a Nigerian heritage. His visit to Lagos has given him the opportunity to connect with his Nigerian fans and also have a feel of the Nigerian culture, directly.
He has strongly established himself in Arsenal as a major player and he’s as well, a regular for the England national team. Even though he is only 21 years old, Nigerians believe that Saka has the potential to become one of the best players in the world. His visit is also expected to sensitize many young people in staying focused on achieving their football dreams.
