Bukayo Saka, one of England’s brightest football talents, has reportedly ended his international career at just 23. The shocking decision has reignited debates about his choice to represent England over Nigeria and whether he might now regret turning down his country of origin.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Rising Star’s Dilemma
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Saka had the opportunity to represent either England or Nigeria at the international level. Despite strong ties to his heritage, he opted for England, citing career ambitions and early opportunities. The Arsenal winger quickly became a key player for the Three Lions, featuring in major tournaments such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.
However, critics argue that England has a history of discarding talented players once their peak fades, while Nigeria has shown loyalty to its stars over time. Football analyst Tunde Olawale remarked, “England has always been ruthless. Once you’re no longer useful, they move on quickly. Saka had the chance to be a Nigerian legend, but now, where does he go from here?”
The Physical Toll and Burnout Concerns
Saka has played an astonishing number of minutes for both club and country, raising concerns over burnout. Statistics show that by the age of 23, he had clocked over 25,000 minutes in senior football—one of the highest among young players in Europe. Analysts have warned that such excessive workload could lead to an early decline in performance.
“We’ve seen this before,” said sports data expert Michael Rowlands. “Players like Jack Wilshere, Dele Alli, and Theo Walcott were all used intensively at a young age, and their careers declined earlier than expected. Saka might be heading down the same road.”
Did Saka Make the Right Choice?
Many Nigerian football fans believe Saka would have had a more fulfilling international career with the Super Eagles. Nigeria, unlike England, is known for embracing its players well beyond their prime. The legendary Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel all remained national icons long after their European club careers declined.
A Nigerian supporter on social media expressed disappointment: “Saka was given love in England, but that love is conditional. Nigeria would have treated him like a king. Now he sees what happens when England no longer needs you.”
England’s Ruthless Selection Policy
The English national team is highly competitive, with new stars emerging every season. Players who were once mainstays often find themselves sidelined when younger prospects rise. The same fate befell other dual-nationality players like Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham, who also snubbed Nigeria but later struggled for a permanent place in the English squad.
“Saka’s situation is a reminder that England picks based on form, not sentiment,” said former Nigerian international Daniel Amokachi. “Had he chosen Nigeria, he would have been our number one winger for years, no matter what. Now, he’s just another name England can discard.”
A Career at a Crossroads
With international football seemingly behind him, Saka now faces a critical period in his career. Will he focus solely on club football, or will he attempt a return to the England squad later? Unlike Nigeria, where players are reintegrated into the team even after long absences, England rarely recalls players once they’ve fallen out of favor.
Only time will tell if Saka’s decision to turn his back on Nigeria was the right one. But as many observers have pointed out, he might have missed the opportunity to become a legend in his true homeland.
“This should be a lesson for young Nigerian players. Don’t be deceived by the temporary shine of European football. Your home will always value you more,” Amokachi concluded.
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