Manuel Akanji, Inter Milan centre-back, has opened up about the meaning behind the tattoo of an eagle on his left arm, revealing it as a tribute to his Nigerian heritage and the Super Eagles.
Born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland to a Swiss mother and Nigerian father, Akanji explained in an interview with Inter TV that despite representing Switzerland at international level, he remains deeply proud of his Nigerian roots.
“This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me,” he said.
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Akanji also shared that in his youth, he made several childhood visits to Nigeria three or four times and those experiences left a lasting impression, reinforcing his connection to his father’s homeland.
Although professional obligations make frequent visits difficult (winter schedules, rainy summer seasons), the connection remains personal and strong.
Editorial
We believe Manuel Akanji’s tattoo is more than body art it is a declaration of identity and gratitude. In an era when many players carry the expectations of fans from multiple nations, such gestures root them in their history and background. It says: “I may stand here on this field, under this flag but my heritage colors my story.”
That Akanji plays for Switzerland does not diminish his Nigerian connection. In fact, his embrace of that connection gives him a richer narrative and offers Nigerian football something precious a reminder that heritage isn’t lost with choice; it lives alongside it. His pride, expressed through skin ink, childhood memories, and acknowledgment of lineage, may mean more to fans than many high profile goals.
It also highlights how dual heritage players often walk a complex path between loyalty, opportunity, identity. Choosing one national team does not require erasing another affiliation. For many, the decision is pragmatic, professional and sometimes emotional. Akanji respecting both aspects of his identity reflects maturity.
We expect that more young players of mixed origin will see in Akanji a model: someone who does not deny any part of himself but lives them both on the pitch, in his choices, and yes, even on his skin. Because identity matters and pride endures.
Did You Know?
- The tattoo features an eagle (representing the Super Eagles) with a football underneath symbolising both his love for Nigerian football and personal connection.
- Akanji was born in Switzerland but has visited Nigeria three to four times in childhood, which helped form his sense of belonging to his father’s country.
- He currently plays for Inter Milan on loan from Manchester City, with an obligation to buy.
- The decision to play for Switzerland came in 2017, after progressing through Swiss youth systems.
- Despite professional demands limiting his return visits, seasonal and logistical constraints (winter schedule, rainy summers) are reasons he cannot travel to Nigeria more often.
