Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are accelerating their plans to snatch Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka, from England, according to SportsMail.
Saka is being tipped to break into Gareth Southgate’s squad, following a breakthrough season with the Gunners.
The 18-year-old has already represented England at junior level and currently plays for the U-19 side. However, he is in line to be promoted to the U-21 at the very least.
However, Nigeria are prepared to fast-track Saka into their senior set-up, to play with the Super Eagles.
Their ploy to tempt Saka has taken a back seat in recent weeks owing to the long delay in international football due to coronavirus. But with national team matches due to return in September, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will ramp up their efforts, with Saka still to make a final decision.
In recent years, the three-time African champions have successfully persuaded Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Victor Moses to switch allegiance from England.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said the club will support Bukayo Saka, no matter what country he chooses to represent.
Saka is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England.
The 18-year-old who is an out-and-out winger, has been played at left-back by Arteta, but has put in some impressive displays.
There has been talk about the player becoming a subject of tussle between the two countries, as he becomes more prominent for the Gunners.
“International level is a different level. It is up to the England manager to discuss whether he is ready to do that and what is he going to do with his squad.
“Whatever he decides we will support the idea and the player,” Arteta said according to Football London.
Saka, has revealed that he has travelled to Nigeria before, as speculation over his international future rumbles on. Saka is eligible to play for both England and Nigeria.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Gunners this campaign, scoring important goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions.
Saka has now spoken about his meteoric rise and his family in a wide-ranging interview with Arsenal’s official website. I was lucky enough to travel a lot when I was younger as well. Every year my mum and dad would take us away.
“We went to Nigeria of course, where my mum and dad are both from, we went to Dubai, and to America a few times because my cousins live there. I remember going to Chicago and LA, and a few other places too,” he said.
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