Looking through the names in the Arsenal academy, more and more Nigerians are coming through the ranks at the London club.
One of such is Bukayo Saka, a swift and skillful winger who has impressed at U23 level and finally made his home debut against Qarabag in the Europa League.
The attacker was one of the most impressive players of the night and only a lack of composure stopped him from scoring on the night.
With Arsenal without a traditional wingers, Saka is in an interesting situation whereby if he plays his cards right, he could make his way into the first team.
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Speaking to the club’s website, the 17-year-old said: “It is a dream come true, ever since I joined the club at the age of eight I always dreamed of playing at the Emirates so for all the coaches and the fans to support me tonight was really good.
“I didn’t start too fast but I grew into the game and that’s what I wanted to do. I started to get past my man and create chances and I could have scored at the end, I don’t know what happened.”
Saka said he was very excited when Arsenal coach Unai emery said that he would be starting
“We went through the team and (head coach Unai Emery) called it out and I couldn’t believe it, but I just had to get on with it.
“I just focused, and I couldn’t stop thinking about today and how I was going to play, and I think it turned out alright. But I should have got my goal.
“I think I just need to keep playing well at academy level and any chance I have an opportunity to train with the first team I need to impress the head coach and show him what I can do, so he can believe in me like he did tonight.”
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