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Saka shines with England hat-trick, Nigeria's loss

Posted : 21 June 2023
England's decisive 7-0 victory over North Macedonia on Monday night has significantly bolstered the Three Lions' prospects of qualifying for the UEFA Euro Championship in 2024. 

Among the standout moments of the game was Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka's impressive hat-trick, marking his first international hat-trick while donning England's iconic white and blue jersey.

While Saka's performance was lauded and celebrated in England, the reception in Nigeria was not as joyous. 

This disparity arises from the fact that despite being born to Nigerian parents, Saka made the personal choice to represent England on the international stage. 

He had previously showcased his skills for the English national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Euro 2020 tournament.

The sight of Saka excelling for Gareth Southgate's squad evoked a sense of bitterness among the streets of Lagos, Offa, and various parts of Nigeria. 

However, it is important to acknowledge that Saka does have Nigerian supporters who understand and respect his decision to play for England instead of donning the Super Eagles' jersey.

While the Nigeria Football Federation did not heavily pursue Saka's allegiance, the organization is primarily grappling with administrative challenges and the lack of comprehensive welfare plans for both past and present players. 

To address the issue of Nigerian-eligible players opting to represent other nations, it is crucial to ensure the welfare and support systems for players and the technical team, as well as honor the contributions of past heroes of Nigerian football.

A key aspect in preventing such developments is to emulate the English Football Association's approach, which guarantees that retired players who have represented England, regardless of the number of caps they earned, receive proper care and support.

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