Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England, says he is weighing up his international options but will not rush his decision.
"I am always thinking about it but I haven't made a decision yet," the 18-year-old told BBC Sport.
Saka, born to Nigerian parents, has so far represented England at youth level.
The Arsenal youth academy graduate said neither England nor Nigeria had so far approached him about his senior international future.
"No-one has been in touch but when I make a decision you will find out," said Saka.
The talented winger is having a breakthrough season with Arsenal.
He made his Premier League debut at the age of 17 - making history in the process when he became the first footballer born in 2001 to play in the Premier League.
The young Arsenal star paid tribute to former Gunners coach Unai Emery for giving him his chance.
"I have a lot of thanks to give him because he gave me so much confidence, he gave me my debut and he kept pushing me. I am grateful to him always.
"It's just something I have always dreamed of, coming up from the academy to the first team."
Now Saka says he is focused on the future with Arsenal's newly appointed manager, Mikel Arteta.
"I have heard positive things about him and I am looking forward to working with him."
Razceinoty
1
ok
Voebeiouz
0
Many urges you to play for Nigeria...
Soceikmn
2
play for Nigeria and have chance to play anytime.
didadinors
0
Another talented Nigerian footballer about to toss the coin!?
Zokaceimsy
0
zjjak
Waroho
0
With Nigeria he would never miss a place in the 1st team.I hop he chooses the Ibu brothers
fonlrtyz
1
play for naija
JKoguna
0
Play for Naija
Efinate
1
All these African players that end up representing European internationals are just plain lost and stupid.
Piucelmnu
0
Think of it this way: Michael Owen has a more successful career than say nwankwo kanu or even Okocha, but they are WAY more ‘achknowlwdged by football fans
Lamarfredriq
0
I would advise him to play for Nigeria bcoz England has got a lot of upcoming players like him thus he will not get more chances.. also playing in African continent will be more beneficial to him since he will join his fellow Africans the likes of mane, Sala,mahrez in different African football competitions including player of the year unlike European nation where there are a lot of good players..
yeah
yiaaknsu
0
Xhaka really is important player midfielder number 6 we need Xhaka likes spirit and fight ball also harder shoot and he is strong one that is why he will be first choose for Arteta someone like xhaka is not here
Homdekopr
3
go for Nigeria
Boprtuyz
4
better play for Nigeria and become a legend.....
Nafiz00
0
arsenal need to play like a man... got some attitude when you play. you can learn it from ramos,pepe,zlatan,ronaldo. be badass be leader be the king.
jobcekortu
2
Please confirm from Benzima before taking any steps
Tangotangobravo
0
i believe he will play for Nigeria as he is not good enough for England on current form. he need to perform above sancho, hudson, stering and others
There is no sense in this comment... So Nigeria is the team for England rejects? Is Bukayo not trying hard enough? Bro, when commenting always try to think very well before typing... Oponu radarada!!!
Mahdeiltu
1
Arsenal biggest challenge is how they can play hard like men they are too soft as if they are playing ladies handball come on be men !!!!!!!!
Wuhabdeno
0
i believe he will play for Nigeria as he is not good enough for England on current form. he need to perform above sancho, hudson, stering and others
this guy is very good, think of his age first before condemned him. His is young, full of energy. His good for both country.
siecdlnrsu
1
i believe he will play for Nigeria as he is not good enough for England on current form. he need to perform above sancho, hudson, stering and others
so because he is not good for England he should now play for Nigeria abi? oga if he is not good for England he is not good for Nigeria
woedikmor
0
I will advise my boy to play for England. there's a better provision to play for the 3 lions than the super eagles, Nigeria Football Association don't take players seriously.
getting a chance in england is hard
woedikmor
1
I would advise him to play for Nigeria bcoz England has got a lot of upcoming players like him thus he will not get more chances.. also playing in African continent will be more beneficial to him since he will join his fellow Africans the likes of mane, Sala,mahrez in different African football competitions including player of the year unlike European nation where there are a lot of good players..
thats very true
FaithEvans
0
its a choice indeed...remember in England the chances of going whole career without even making it on tge substitutes bench is quite forseeable......anyways. everyone need money
Yeah, its possible in Nigeria too... every striker in Victor Osimhen position would have to wait just like you'd wait with Harry Kane, there's no automatic positions for new players, and Saka will struggle to displace Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Ahmed Musa anyway, same with Sterling, Rashford and Sancho
biaanprsyz
1
i believe he will play for Nigeria as he is not good enough for England on current form. he need to perform above sancho, hudson, stering and others
Waudkmpryz
0
If you played for Nigeria u will be PROUD and happy for lifetime!!!
binailmnsy
0
Well, I can't traduce anyone's choice but I'd rather play for someone that cares over someone that doesn't... especially when there's 50 more years to live after football, and u can care about money and still play spectacularly well, you shouldn't have to choose one and do badly with the other
its a choice indeed...remember in England the chances of going whole career without even making it on tge substitutes bench is quite forseeable......anyways. everyone need money
DADDYLONGDICK
2
Nigerian bloodline do indeed make class players.Imagine how Nigeria would look today if they played in their parents country.I mean, I know it wont feel good like respresenting your own country but, you know what I mean. What if?
FaithEvans
0
i would seek game time.and play for Nigeria and be legend there..money is one thing that have killed carerrs of most of footabllers
Well, I can't traduce anyone's choice but I'd rather play for someone that cares over someone that doesn't... especially when there's 50 more years to live after football, and u can care about money and still play spectacularly well, you shouldn't have to choose one and do badly with the other
binailmnsy
0
England pay you pension amounting to #50M per month to all their ex players... Nigeria don't even care, if it were u, what would u do?... very easy choice for me
i would seek game time.and play for Nigeria and be legend there..money is one thing that have killed carerrs of most of footabllers
FaithEvans
2
play for Nigeria and be a legend there...play for England and be any other player
England pay you pension amounting to #50M per month to all their ex players... Nigeria don't even care, if it were u, what would u do?... very easy choice for me
tecilnty
1
He deserves a chance.
DrFranckeinstein
3
Take Nigeria because you will have it very hard to compete with sterling, sancho and others for the first team in England
EmiowheJoy
0
He should play for Nigeria
notciknprs
1
I thought he is Ghanaian
Lamarfredriq
3
I would advise him to play for Nigeria bcoz England has got a lot of upcoming players like him thus he will not get more chances.. also playing in African continent will be more beneficial to him since he will join his fellow Africans the likes of mane, Sala,mahrez in different African football competitions including player of the year unlike European nation where there are a lot of good players..
Fooaerty
3
I will advise my boy to play for England. there's a better provision to play for the 3 lions than the super eagles, Nigeria Football Association don't take players seriously.
Fooaerty
0
I will my boy to for England
Mwesy
2
Saka has to play for his native country and if you look closely almost every comment is suggesting the same NIGERIA once and for all
mzeereal
2
Is better he chooses where he will have more games than where he may play few times and get some racist stuff
toudnrty
2
If you like you come u like you don’t . Nigeria 🇳🇬 won’t rush anymore
MoazzamBaloch
6
I'm a European but I'd encourage him to play for Nigeria. Nigeria do have a great future ahead if these players play for the nation they belong to!
larryboss
1
Nigeria don't beg anyone
Vozdklptuy
0
consider your completion in your decision
binailmnsy
2
play for Nigeria and be a legend there...play for England and be any other player