Arsenal and England star, Bukayo Saka, has helped fund 120 life-changing operations for children in Nigeria. Saka, 21, is preparing to take part in his first World Cup after earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – but that hasn’t distracted him from matters elsewhere.

In co-operation with youth charity, BigShoe, the winger played a crucial role in medical procedures for children suffering from diseases like inguinal hernias and brain tumours in Nigeria.

Speaking on the matter, the 21-year-old said: “I feel blessed to be in a position where I can contribute to making children’s lives easier and better through these surgeries.

“I still feel very connected to Nigeria. For me, it is very important to use my abilities to have a positive impact where I can, and I have to say a big thank you to the whole BigShoe team for making this possible.

“For me, it is important that every child has the same opportunity to achieve their dreams. If I can do anything to help then I really want to do this, it was very important to me. It makes me happy when I can see the kids happy and their parents happy.

“I want to do more and more and help as many children as I can.’

The operations took place in mid-October and were a success, thanks to a team of five doctors who treated and looked after the children.

Kano is Nigeria’s second biggest city and it’s an issue that effects a lot of children in the area.”

The Arsenal star isn’t the only player to have teamed up with BigShoe in recent months – with Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger agreeing to donate all of his World Cup earnings to children in Sierra Leone.

(The Guardian)