Saka Becomes Only Nigeria-Eligible Player Born This Millennium To Debut In EPL, Arsenal Legend Congratulates Winger

Published: January 01, 2019

Bukayo Saka was handed his Premier League debut by manager Unai Emery on Tuesday evening when he replaced fellow Hale End Academy graduate Alex Iwobi in the 83rd minute against Fulham, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

In doing so, the number 87 became the only Nigeria-eligible player born in this millennium to debut in the English topflight, aged 17 years, 3 months and 27 days.

The 2000-born Southampton striker Michael Obafemi had made his competitive debut for the Saints in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur back in January 2018 but he is now cap-tied to his country of birth, Republic of Ireland.

Saka had actually played for Arsenal's first team before his maiden Premier League appearance against the Cottagers, and that was against Vorskla and Qarabag in the Europa League in November and December respectively.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has congratulated the England U19 star on his Premier League debut, tweeting : ''Congratulations on your @premierleague debut @BukayoSaka87.

''A very special moment for you and your family. Hard work to come but enjoy tonight with your loved ones ❤️''.

Former Sunderland striker Joel Asoro remains the youngest player of Nigerian descent to debut in the Premier League, aged 17 years, 3 months and 25 days and Saka missed the record by just two days.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com