Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Reveals How He Quit Football For Barbing Before Super Eagles Call-Up
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s road to the Super Eagles has been anything but straightforward, with the midfielder revealing that he once abandoned football entirely to learn barbing before finding his way back to the game. The young midfielder is among the new names included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His career began in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Remo Stars, where his performances later earned him a move abroad. He is currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan. Speaking to Super Eagles media, Akinsanmiro explained that football was part of his life from an early age, largely due to family influence. “Well, daddy inspired me a lot, he was once a footballer, and my two brothers too. They were footballers too. I took a lot of interest in the game while watching them play.” Despite that strong foundation, he admitted that there was a period when he walked away from the sport to focus on another profession. “Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbing. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father and brothers for their support.” The Super Eagles invitation, however, came as a major surprise to him, especially after missing out on a previous chance due to injury. “I was not expecting it to be honest, the first time I was contacted was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I was injured and couldn’t make it.” He described the emotional moment he received the latest call-up, calling it the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “So, when this invitation came, I called someone close to me. I was actually shedding tears because it was a dream come true for me.” Akinsanmiro also reflected on his struggles with Nigeria’s youth teams and the doubts that followed. “I have been trying to play for the national team, from U-17 to U-20. Then, I felt maybe I was not good enough. I told myself I will keep pushing and doing my possible best, may be one day the invitation will come.” That perseverance has now paid off, as the midfielder prepares to take the next step of his career on the continental stage with the Super Eagles.