Why Arsenal’s Saka chose England over Nigeria – Doherty

The founder/CEO, Pathway Sports, David Doherty has said Bukayo Saka ditched the Super Eagles because Nigeria didn’t contribute to his development.

It will be recalled that the 19-year-old Saka was included in the Three Lions squad for their friendly with Wales and the Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Denmark.

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According to Doherty, he is baffled at Nigerians who have expressed their disappointment over the youngster’s decision to play for England that nurtured and is developing him to be the player he is.

It will be noted that Saka has played for England’s U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and 21 between 2017 and 2020.

“England, Germany and Spain cannot nurture these players over the years in a working, planned structure and system for Nigeria to come and claim ownership for what we never added one single support to from the onset. This baffles us how some of us attack these boys for doing such,” he said.

Doherty also stated that players of Nigerian descent playing in Europe only decide to play for Nigeria as a last option for an international career.

“Not all of these boys will come directly to choose Nigeria as some would have done from day one, we should know that eight out 10 will pick England, Germany, Spain ahead of Nigeria.

“They sit on the fence till they notice their chances are limited with the first option. Suddenly you will see them first updating their google profile with their ‘naija’ names.

The CEO of Pathway Sports, therefore, called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to develop a plan for Nigeria football while urging them to stop looking for ‘ready-made’ players.