I Abandoned Football For Barbing Growing Up
The dynamic midfielder previously played for NPFL title winners Remo Stars before embarking on an international career.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro

Freshly called up to the Super Eagles, midfield sensation Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has shared an unexpected twist in his journey—temporarily exchanging his football dreams for a barber’s clippers.

Akinsanmiro, one of the rising talents in Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON squad, opened up about his unconventional path to professional football.

“Football runs deep in my family—my father and brothers all played. Watching them inspired me, but I took a detour,” the Pisa loanee explained. “At one point, I paused football altogether to train as a barber. I still have those skills!”

The Inter Milan prospect admitted his national team call-up left him emotional, recalling previous under-17 and under-20 snubs. “I questioned if I’d ever make it. When this invitation came, it felt surreal—like a lifetime of perseverance finally paying off.”

His story took another dramatic turn when an earlier opportunity during World Cup qualifiers was derailed by injury. “Missing that chance hurt, but it made this moment even sweeter,” Akinsanmiro reflected, emphasizing his family’s unwavering support throughout his unconventional rise.