Former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki was among the delighted spectators at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night as Arsenal swept aside reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid with a commanding 3-0 first-leg win in their quarter-final tie, Footynaija.com reports.
A long-time Arsenal supporter and influential figure in Nigerian football, Saraki revealed his delight about the Gunners’ display via a number of posts on his official Twitter page, writing:
“Arsenal delivered a masterclass tonight — pure quality, determination, and tactical brilliance. Well done, boys! #COYG”
“Tonight at the Emirates Stadium was special—an indescribable feeling! #ComeOnYouGunners“
Arsenal delivered a masterclass tonight — pure quality, determination, and tactical brilliance. Well done, boys! #COYG https://t.co/GV54c93OSy
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) April 8, 2025
The victory was powered by a brace of stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice within the space of 12 minutes, before Mikel Merino capped off a scintillating night with a sublime third.
The win also sealed a crucial bonus for English football — confirming a fifth Champions League spot for Premier League clubs next season.
Saraki, who also served as two-term Governor of Kwara State, is widely recognised for his contributions to football development in Nigeria. He founded Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC (ABS FC), a professional club currently playing in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier division.
Tonight at the Emirates Stadium was special—an indescribable feeling! #ComeOnYouGunners pic.twitter.com/qudP6aLe85
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) April 8, 2025
Arsenal boast one of the most passionate fan bases in Nigeria, bolstered by the legacy of players like Nwankwo Kanu and years of consistent European competition. Saraki joins a host of high-profile Nigerian Arsenal supporters, including business tycoons Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu.
Despite the defeat, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham issued a warning after the match: “One place where crazy things happen is our house.”
However, no team in Champions League history has ever come back from a three-goal first-leg deficit against the Gunners.
In the night’s other quarter-final, Inter Milan edged Bayern Munich 2-1 in Germany.
