Sports: Bukayo Saka Bags "Young Player of the Year" Award

 

The 2023 PFA Young Player of the Year is Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka, who was born in Nigeria. The winger, who recorded 14 goals and 11 assists last season, defeated Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa, Moises Caicedo of Chelsea (previously of Brighton), and Evan Ferguson of Brighton.

It's an incredible sensation, Saka added. "Since I was aware that I could, I have been a Premier League fan. It's a true honor to be included on that list right now, especially in light of the athletes who have previously received the award and the careers they have gone on to have. I'm overjoyed, and that prize is great as well. I grin every time I see it. 

A number of factors contributed to the achievement. Since football is a team sport, I must appreciate my coach and my teammates. They made it possible for me to do what I did and, of course, win this prize. We made significant improvement last year, both personally and collectively, so perhaps I can now move forward."

Chuba Akpom, a former Middlesbrough striker who recently joined Ajax, is another player with Nigerian ancestry who took home a prize at the awards show on Tuesday night. The PFA Championship Players' Player of the Year Award was given to Akpom as the first recipient.

The 27-year-old striker, who is qualified to represent the Super Eagles, led the EFL scoring list with 28 goals in just 40 games as they pursued the Championship playoffs.

Akpom beat out Nathan Tella, a fellow Nigerian-born player recently signed by Bayern Leverkusen and a 17-goal scorer for Burnley.