Saraki Meets Bukayo Saka in Madrid After Arsenal’s Champions League Masterclass

Former Senate President of Nigeria, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had a memorable encounter with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in Madrid following the Gunners’ dominant performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg.

As reported by Premium Times, Saraki—who also served as Governor of Kwara State—was in attendance at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night to witness Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 aggregate win over the Spanish powerhouse. A dedicated Arsenal fan, Saraki joined Saka for a celebratory photo after the final whistle, marking a significant moment for both the club and Nigerian supporters.

Saraki had also been present at the first leg in London, where Arsenal shocked Real Madrid with a 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. He was accompanied by his children, Seni and Tosin Saraki, during both fixtures.

Bukayo Saka, whose family roots lie in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, played a vital role in the return leg, netting Arsenal’s second goal in the 65th minute with a calm finish past Thibaut Courtois. The move was set up by Mikel Merino, with Martin Ødegaard providing the creative spark in the buildup.

Gabriel Martinelli also scored for Arsenal, while Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior managed to pull one back for the hosts. According to Sky Sports, the result sees Arsenal advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009, and only the third time in the club’s history.

Images of Saraki and Saka smiling together quickly went viral, earning admiration from fans across Nigeria and beyond. Many celebrated Saraki for championing Nigerian talent on the global stage. “Two names, two paths, one Nigerian tie,” one admirer wrote online, applauding the moment as a convergence of political legacy and sporting brilliance.

The meeting also sparked lively chatter on social media. One enthusiastic Arsenal fan dubbed Saraki “Nigeria’s most valuable Senate President,” while another described the encounter as “a meeting of greatness.”