Arsenal FC player, British professional footballer Bukayo Saka, who is of Nigerian descent, recently expressed his excitement about visiting Nigeria. As part of his trip, Saka had the opportunity to meet with the two-term governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, June 3.
The meeting took place after Saka’s spontaneous arrival at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on May 31, 2023.
Saka, who was born to Nigerian immigrant parents and raised in the UK, had been expected to play for the Nigerian national team, known as the Super Eagles. However, he ultimately made the decision to represent England instead. Despite this, his visit to Nigeria was met with enthusiasm and provided him with an opportunity to connect with his Nigerian heritage.
During his time in Lagos, Saka visited the neighborhood of Bariga and even made a charitable gesture by visiting an orphanage. This act allowed him to give back to the community and celebrate his visit to the country.
Taking to his official social media accounts, Saka shared photos from his meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu and expressed his gratitude for the invitation.
His message read, “It was great to meet and talk with His Excellency @jidesanwoolu. Thank you for the invite.” The images showcased a positive interaction between the football star and the governor, highlighting their shared appreciation for sports and their commitment to fostering positive relationships.
As Saka prepared to return to Europe, Pulse Sports pledged to continue providing updates on his stay in Lagos. This demonstrated the significant impact of Saka’s visit, as it garnered attention not only from football enthusiasts but also from the wider public interested in his experiences in Nigeria.
Overall, Bukayo Saka’s visit to Nigeria was a special occasion that allowed him to connect with his Nigerian roots and engage with the local community. The meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu provided an opportunity for dialogue and mutual appreciation, highlighting the power of sports in fostering positive connections between individuals and communities.
