Former Manchester City star explains reason for Super Eagles tattoo

Inter defender Manuel Akanji recently expressed how proud he is of his Nigerian roots, despite representing Switzerland at the international level, instead of the Super Eagles. 

The 30-year-old joined Inter on loan in the summer from Manchester City after Pep Guardiola informed him that he would struggle for game time. In a recent interview with Inter TV, he discussed his Nigerian heritage and the Super Eagles' fondness. 

Akanji has an eagle tattoo on his left arm. An eagle perched on a ball, NFF style. Asked about the inscription, he explained that the tattoo represents the Super Eagles.

“This is the eagle from the Nigerian national team with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me,” he said, per Soccernet.

“Obviously, I play for the Swiss national team, but I’m still really proud of being Nigerian. I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way.”

Akanji spoke about visiting Nigeria, explaining that the ideal time to make the trip is the winter period, but the football calendar makes it complicated. 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to Nigeria,” he said. “It’s hard for me to go back because I don’t have a break in the winter, and summer is the rainy season, so you never really know what you’re going to get, but when I was young, I went there three or four times.”