Saka Reacts After Debuting For Arsenal In Third Competition, Breaks Akpom's Nigerian Record

Published: January 06, 2019

Bukayo Saka was a late substitute for Alex Iwobi in Arsenal's comprehensive 3-0 win over Blackpool in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday evening.

When the 17-year-old stepped out onto the Bloomfield Road turf in the 86th minute, he was making his debut for the Gunners in the third competition this season.

The Hale End Academy product made his maiden appearance in the Europa League against Vorskla Poltava on November 29, 2018 before he was handed his Premier League debut thirty three days later against Fulham.

Saka became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to feature for Arsenal in the FA Cup following his appearance against the Seasiders, aged 17 years and 4 months, breaking the previous record held by Chuba Akpom, who was 19 years, 2 months and 26 days when he played against Hull City on January 4, 2015.

Reacting to his debut in the FA Cup, Saka tweeted : ''Good to get some more minutes tonight in the Fa cup🙌🏿 More importantly to get the win! Onto the next round✅ #coyg''.

He has earned rapid promotion at Arsenal this season considering the fact that he was playing for the U18 team four months ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com