A viral photo featuring Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji proudly displaying a tattoo of the Super Eagles emblem has sparked a lively conversation across social media platforms.
The 28-year-old, who primarily operates as a center-back but also fills in at times as a full-back, was born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father.
Akanji had the option to play for Nigeria at international level due to his father's nationality but decided to represent his birthplace, Switzerland, instead.
Despite his allegiance to the Swiss national team, this tattoo serves as a visible testament to his Nigerian heritage and acknowledgment of his roots.
Was Akanji ever invited by Nigeria?
Before elaborating on his decision, Akanji shared his perspective with the Press in 2018.
“Nigeria never called me to come and play for them. So, it was never a question to be answered because Switzerland called me to play for them and I accepted,” he explained.
Reflecting on his choice, he expressed, “No regret at all for not playing for Nigeria. We came into the next round, Nigeria didn’t. And it was my decision. I don’t know if I would have played for Nigeria if I had been invited or not. Really I don’t know.”
Highlighting the absence of a formal invitation from Nigeria, he added, “I don’t have to think about if they called me because they did not call me.”
“My parents never discussed with me where I should play or not. They just told me to do whatever I want to do. They always support me all the time no matter what I do.”
Akanji's international journey with Switzerland
Akanji began his international career with the Switzerland U-20 national team, earning two caps. His debut came on September 7, 2014, in a 0–0 draw against the German U-20 national team. Progressing to the U-21 team in 2014, he made his debut for them on March 26, in a 0–3 defeat against the Italian U-21 team.
On June 9, 2017, Akanji marked his debut for the Swiss senior team in a 2–0 victory against the Faroe Islands during a 2018 World Cup qualifying match, playing the full 90 minutes.
His talent earned him a spot in Switzerland's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he started all four matches as the team advanced to the round of 16.
To date, Akanji has amassed 57 caps for Switzerland, contributing three goals to his name.
What symbolism lies behind the Super Eagles emblem?
The emblem of the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles, bears great symbolic significance. It showcases an eagle, a creature renowned for its strength, bravery, and liberty, embodying the values of the team.
In Nigerian culture, the eagle holds deep meaning, symbolising national pride, resilience, and a tenacious spirit.
The emblem's green and white colors reflect Nigeria's national identity, with green representing the nation's abundant vegetation and natural wealth, and white signifying peace and unity.
In essence, the emblem of the Super Eagles encapsulates the team's essence as a symbol of national pride and unwavering determination on the football field.
