Talented Arsenal teenage sensation, Bukayo Saka is yet to decide whether to play for Nigeria or England’s national team, but his manager at Arsenal thinks he should play for England.
Saka, whose Parents are Nigerians, has however represented the English side at every junior level from the under 16 up to the under 19 levels.
Mikel Arteta who is Saka’s club Manager at Arsenal has suggested Saka should stick with the English side. He however acknowledged that the decision rests with Saka who also has to consult his family.
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“If I get asked the question then I can give my opinion, he hasn’t come to me with that so for now I will leave it totally independent with the player and his family as they normally have a big say with their background, their culture and where they are coming room. I don’t want to step in there”.
“Absolutely [he is good enough to play for England] – and he’s very clever to make the right decision, as well.’
The 18 year-old has been a great sensation for the Arsenal side this season, making daring forward runs at the opponent’s half.
So far he has 4 goals and 8 assists to show for his hard work in 39 appearances for the north London side in all competition.
Saka while speaking to Skysport admitted that he has not made a decision yet, “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.”
In recent times, two Chelsea players Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori both dumped the Nigerian team for England but the likes of Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses played for the national side.
Recall that coach Gernot Rohr has a preference for foreign based plays but the NFF president Amaju Melvin Pinnick has reterated that players will not be begged to play for Nigeria again in an Instagram live chat
“We have talents everywhere so we won’t beg people to play for Nigeria. It is about ardour and fervour, If it’s their desire and they merit it, they’ll be given a chance to represent Nigeria.”