Nigeria never invited me – Switzerland’s Akanji
Switzerland centre back Manuel Obafemi Akanji has stated that Nigeria never invited him to play for the Super Eagles.
The 6 ft 1 in centre- back , who was born to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother, says is happy he was considered good enough to play for the Red Crosses and has no regrets not playing for the Super Eagles.
“ Nigeria never called me to play (for the Eagles). There was no question where I should play because Switzerland asked me if I wanted to play for them . I heard nothing from Nigeria . So it was my decision,” Akanji told reporters during a post – match interview after Switzerland’s defeat by Sweden at Saint Petersburg Stadium.
Akanji , who has been tipped to blossom into a world – class centre – back , said his parents never talked to him about playing for Nigeria.
He said , “My parents didn’ t talk to me about which country to play for or which country I should not play for . They keep supporting me.”
Akanji , who says he doesn’t understand Yoruba, joined German Bundesliga giants Dortmund from Swiss side Basel in deal reportedly worth €22m in January and went on to tie down a starting role in Michael Zorc ’s team.
He was tipped to announce himself on the world stage in Russia and he passed the test with aplomb .
