Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has shared details of a difficult phase in his career, revealing that he once stepped away from football to learn barbing before eventually returning to the sport and earning a Super Eagles call-up.

The midfielder is one of the new additions to Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He previously played for NPFL champions Remo Stars before moving overseas and is currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan.

Akinsanmiro said his passion for football was shaped by his family, especially his father and brothers. “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.”

Despite that early influence, he admitted that his journey was interrupted when he decided to pursue a trade outside football. “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.”

The midfielder also spoke about how unexpected his national team invitation was, recalling a previous missed opportunity. “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.”

Receiving the latest call-up was an emotional moment for him. “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.”

Looking back on his time in the youth national teams, Akinsanmiro admitted he went through periods of doubt but refused to give up. “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.”

That persistence has now paid off, as he prepares to represent Nigeria at senior level after a journey marked by setbacks, self-belief, and determination.