Arsenal are Premier League champions once again, and Bukayo Saka wasted little time answering the doubts that have followed this squad for years—showcasing that this crop of Gunners has the quality to win the biggest prizes.
Saka, pictured with teammates Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber as celebrations spilled out beyond the Emirates Stadium, stood alongside a Premier League trophy at the club’s training base. The event featured a specially built trophy display designed to glow as Arsenal clinched the title, and the winger used the moment to deliver his message.
“Twenty-two years. There was laughing, there was joking — they’re not laughing anymore,” Saka said. “It is going to be shining bright.”
How Arsenal clinched the title
- Arsenal’s title was confirmed when Manchester City could only manage a draw with Bournemouth.
- That result triggered celebrations across north London, with supporters erupting as the final match details fell into place.
- At Arsenal’s training ground, the squad—players and staff together—reacted immediately when the final whistle sounded, dancing and chanting “Campeones, Campeones, Ole Ole Ole!*
The league win, sealed in Mikel Arteta’s seventh season in charge, quickly sparked tributes from across the football world, including Nigeria’s wider community. Among the early voices was former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu, who won the Premier League twice with the club during the Arsene Wenger era.
“KAN U believe it??? Arsenal Forever,” Kanu posted on X. “The Gunners worked so hard for this. Difficult but they fought. Very well deserved. Come on you Gunners.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), also joined the celebrations, mixing faith, football and a message of hope in his tribute. He referenced a biblical line—“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream”—to frame Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the title as a lesson in perseverance.
“Don’t give up. Keep believing, keep showing up, and keep your confidence high no matter the odds,” Tunji-Ojo said. “This win wasn’t luck — it was built on teamwork, coordination, resilience, and belief in the plan.” He added his congratulations to Arsenal as a club and to every Gunner around the world.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also sent his congratulations, describing the Premier League success as evidence of resilience, discipline and long-term planning. He urged Nigerians—many of whom count themselves among the club’s most devoted supporters globally—to take motivation from the Gunners’ journey, stressing that patience and consistent effort—not luck—are what create lasting achievement.
With the domestic crown secured, Arsenal now turn to what comes next: they will parade the trophy through Islington on Sunday, 31 May. That comes just a day before the club faces Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest.
