Bukayo Saka has become one of the brightest football stars of his generation, dazzling fans with his skill, composure, and relentless work ethic. Born to Nigerian parents in London, his rise through Arsenal’s ranks and his eventual decision to play for England over Nigeria remain a subject of intense debate. Many Nigerian football fans and analysts still wonder: Would Saka have achieved more had he chosen to represent the Super Eagles?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Star Born in England, Rooted in Nigeria
Saka’s story is one of talent nurtured in a country far from his ancestral home. Born in 2001 to Nigerian parents who immigrated to the United Kingdom, he grew up in a household that embraced Nigerian culture, food, and values. Football was a passion from an early age, and Arsenal quickly spotted his potential, enrolling him in their youth academy.
As he progressed, it became evident that Saka was a special talent. His ability to glide past defenders, deliver pinpoint crosses, and score crucial goals set him apart. He represented England at various youth levels, but Nigeria still had a chance to lure him to the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reached out, hoping to convince him to follow in the footsteps of other England-born Nigerian players like Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Ademola Lookman. However, in 2020, Saka made his senior debut for England, effectively closing the door on Nigeria.
A Different Path: Would Nigeria Have Elevated Saka’s Career?
Had Saka chosen Nigeria, he would have been an instant superstar in the squad. His technical ability, versatility, and vision would have provided the Super Eagles with a game-changer. But would playing for Nigeria have propelled his career further than his current trajectory with England?
To explore this, we turned to football experts, fans, and analysts.
•Sunday Oliseh, a former Super Eagles captain and coach, believes Saka could have “helped transform Nigeria’s attack.” Speaking to a sports network, he said:
“Nigeria has incredible forwards, but Saka would have given us something different—creativity, discipline, and consistency. He would have been a leader in the team, and perhaps, we would have had a stronger showing in major tournaments.”
•John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder, shared a different perspective:
“Yes, Saka would have made a huge impact, but the reality is that Nigerian football is not as structured as England’s. He might not have received the same tactical development, and his marketability wouldn’t be what it is today.”
•Garth Crooks, a former England international and BBC pundit, defended Saka’s decision to choose England:
“For a young player with Saka’s ambition, England was the obvious choice. He is competing at the highest level, under the best coaches, and surrounded by world-class teammates. That environment is crucial for development.”
Nigeria’s Struggles vs. England’s Stability
One major factor that could have influenced Saka’s choice is Nigeria’s inconsistent football administration. The Super Eagles are known for their talent but have suffered from managerial instability, lack of infrastructure, and administrative disputes. While Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) three times, the team has struggled to make a deep run in the FIFA World Cup, failing to go beyond the Round of 16.
In contrast, England has a structured football system, excellent facilities, and a team that consistently competes in the latter stages of international tournaments. Since Saka’s debut, he has played in a European Championship final and a World Cup quarterfinal—opportunities that might have been harder to come by with Nigeria.
What Nigerian Fans Think
For many Nigerian football fans, Saka’s choice still stings.
• Victor, a Lagos-based Arsenal fan, lamented:
“Imagine Saka, Osimhen, and Lookman in one attack! We would have dominated African football. It hurts that we lost him to England.”
•Amaka, a football analyst in Abuja, argued that Nigeria must do better at convincing diaspora talents:
“We keep losing top players because our football leadership isn’t proactive. We lost Saka, Eberechi Eze, and even Tammy Abraham to England. If we want to compete with the best, we must change our approach.”
• Dele Momodu, a Nigerian journalist, defended Saka’s decision:
“People forget that Saka grew up in England, trained there, and played in their youth teams. It’s unfair to expect him to abandon that for Nigeria, where the football structure is weaker.”
Nigeria’s Loss, England’s Gain
Saka’s decision to play for England has been vindicated by his rapid rise. He was England’s Player of the Year in consecutive seasons, starred in the 2022 World Cup, and remains a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s squad. Playing for England also boosted his global marketability, securing him high-profile endorsements and an ever-growing reputation.
However, had he played for Nigeria, he might have become an even bigger hero—a leader in a team that desperately needs his consistency and work ethic. With Nigeria’s young talents emerging, could Saka have been the missing piece that elevated the Super Eagles to new heights? That question may never be answered.
Final Thoughts: Did Saka Make the Right Choice?
From a purely career standpoint, Saka’s decision to play for England has given him the best possible platform for success. He is thriving in a highly competitive environment and is on track to become an England legend.
But from a sentimental standpoint, Nigeria’s loss remains painful. His presence could have lifted the Super Eagles to new levels, potentially changing the course of Nigerian football history.
In the end, Saka followed his heart—and so far, that choice has served him well.
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