I Abandoned Football For Barbing Growing Up - Akinsanmiro Says, Reveals Super Eagles’ Invitation Is A Big Surprise (Video)

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the newly called-up Super Eagles midfielder, has revealed that he gave up football for barbing while growing up.

Akinsanmiro is one of the fresh faces in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The energetic midfielder was on the books of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions, Remo Stars before moving abroad few years ago.

“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, ” he told the Super Eagles media.

“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.”

Akinsanmiro, who is on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, also reacted to his Super Eagles’ invitation.

“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 added.

“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.

“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.”

“Oruko mi ni Akinsanmiro Ebenezer…”

The new Eagle opens up on how it feels to join the Super Eagles squad.#Naija4TheWin #LetsDoItAgain #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/26cT39HhZC

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 15, 2025