Homecoming: Bukayo Saka visits Lagos after successful season

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has visited his home country Nigeria for the first time after the conclusion of the 2022-23 English Premier League season.

Saka was seen arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in the company of popular UK-based Arsenal fan Kelechi Anyikude on May 31st, days after he scored in Arsenal’s Premier League finale against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Saka has always been proud of his Nigerian roots despite being born in England as he revealed when he was only 18 and faced with the choice of representing the Super Eagles or the Three Lions. The 21-year-old described the choice as a tough one at the time, but chose to represent the country where he was born.

“I’m happy to have represented England at youth level, but I’m also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents. We haven’t been picked by any team, so it’s about staying humble, and when the time comes, we’ll make the decision.”

Saka was seen in Somolu Lagos before he headed to the Nigerian Red Cross Headquarters in Makoko, Yaba, to pay a visit to the facility and its staff, stopping for photos.

Bukayo Saka had a brilliant season for the Gunners, finishing with 14 goals and 11 assists for Arsenal as they finished second in the Premier League. His form earned him a bumper contract at the club and a pay rise, and he was second in the voting for the FWA Footballer of the Year behind Erling Haaland.