Arsenal Star Bukayo Saka Funds 120 Life-Changing Surgeries In Nigeria

Arsenal midfielder, Bukayo Saka has provided the funds for 120 life-changing surgeries to take place for children in Nigeria.

Infoexpert24 understands that Saka teamed up with BigShoe, a charity organization that helps poor children that are football and sports fans with life-changing medical operations, Saka admitted he felt he was in a blessed position to contribute to helping the lives of children.

The 21-year-old, who is currently preparing for the 2022 World Cup with England, has been in impressive club form for Arsenal, scoring six goals and grabbing five assists from 20 appearances.

While contributing to a lot of the joy experienced by Arsenal fans following their rise to the top of the Premier League, Saka has now done the same but off the pitch after providing the funds for surgeries taking place in Nigeria. The country from which Saka is proud to have links to his ancestors.

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Speaking on the matter, he said: “I feel blessed to be in a position where I can contribute to making the children’s lives easier and better through these surgeries.

“I still feel very connected to Nigeria. For me, it is very important to use my abilities to have a positive impact where I can, and I have to say a big thank you to the whole BigShoe team for making this possible.

“For me, it is important that every child has the same opportunity to achieve their dreams. If I can do anything to help, then I really want to do this, it was very important to me. It makes me happy when I can see the kids happy and their parents happy.

“I want to do more and more and help as many children as I can.”

Bukayo Saka was born and raised in west London to Nigerian parents. He played for England in various age groups, but naturally, his talent also caught the attention of Nigerian fans and soccer administrators. It didn’t hurt that he was playing for Arsenal, a club that already has a strong Nigerian following because of the legendary Nwankwo Kanu. Many dreamed of Saka one day donning Nigeria’s white and green.

But it was not to be. In what was dubbed “Independence Day heartbreak”, the versatile attacker announced his decision to represent England on October 1, 2020 — the 60th anniversary of the West African nation’s independence from Great Britain. There was a mixed reaction. Some wondered what could have been if he’d chosen Nigeria; others hailed him for picking a country that offers greater stability than Nigeria’s uncertain soccer environment.

Bukayo Saka playing for England

Where it failed with Saka, Abraham, and Tomori, Nigeria has succeeded in luring other dual-national Londoners: Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses have made the switch in recent years.

Dual-national players who choose Nigeria either claim a strong Nigerian connection or hint at the Super Eagles being their second choice. It’s a tricky dilemma because family roots can be a powerful force. But unfortunately, Nigeria’s soccer development is miles away from England’s, and its national team isn’t the catch it once was; a third-place finish at the last African championship is an isolated bright spot.

Nigerian or English? Both, actually

Identity is a tricky thing. Though he has Nigerian parents and was no doubt raised in a household with strong influences from their home country, Saka is also English through and through, having grown up in London. He has never even visited Nigeria.

“I feel like I’m really, really proud of my Nigerian heritage,” Saka said when he chose England. “I always still watch Nigeria’s games where I can, and I wish them all the best and support them all the way.