Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has revealed that he once quit football for several years to learn barbering, unsure a career in the sport would succeed.

The 21-year-old shared his journey in an interview with the Nigeria Football Federation media team, describing his national team call-up as a dream come true.

Akinsanmiro is one of five new invitees to the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Currently on loan at Pisa SC in Italy from Inter Milan, he joined the Serie A giants in 2023 from Remo Stars FC after emerging from Beyond Limit Academy.

The midfielder said his love for football came more from playing than watching, as access to games was limited while growing up.

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Inspired by his father and brothers, who played at amateur level, he admitted doubting himself after missing out on youth national teams but continued pushing.

Akinsanmiro is among the early arrivals at the Super Eagles camp in Cairo, alongside players including Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali, as preparations begin ahead of the tournament. Nigeria will compete in Group C against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.

Source Thecable