Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba says Bukayo Saka should not be blamed for England’s penalty shootout loss against Italy in the just concluded Euro 2020 final decided at the Wembley Stadium.
Saka who is of Nigerian descent cuts a sorry figure by bursting into tears after failing to convert England’s last penalty kick which was stopped by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Reacting to England’s failure to land a major silverware since 1966, Ikpeba who experienced similar penalty shootout heartbreak during his international career for Nigeria says Saka’s outstanding displays for the Three Lions during the Euros should not be discarded because of his penalty miss.
Ikpeba who had earlier predicted England vs Italy final showdown salutes Saka’s courage in stepping forward to take the kick while older and more experienced teammates shied away from the responsibility.
“Saka did so well with England and I don’t think his debut tournament for England should be defined by the penalty miss in the shootout against Italy. It’s touching to see him cry after the miss but he should not become the scapegoat for England loss,” begins Ikpeba whose penalty shootout kick against Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations final in year 2000 was controversially ruled out as no goal.
“He deserves commendation rather than condemnation for his courage to step up to take the last kick and also for his overall displays during the Euros because he was able to get into the star-studded England team on several occasion at the tournament.
“Penalty shootout is a gamble and many players shy away from taking part because it can be so unpredictable. I experienced such with the Eagles at the 2000 AFCON finals against Cameroon right here in Lagos and the heartbreak still stays with me after 21 years.
“It can be painful missing out on a chance to win a trophy for your country or club but that’s football and life for you generally. We win some and lose some,” Ikpeba said adding that Saka still has so much to offer England going forward while also rueing the inability to have the Arsenal forward play for Nigeria.
“I would have loved to have Saka play for Nigeria, you know. He is such a young and talented player but we have to respect his decision to play for England instead.
“I believe Saka at just 19 years still have a lot to offer England and it is disgusting he is being subjected to racial abuse now,” concludes the former Monaco star and 1997 African Footballer of the Year award winner.