Manuel Akanji Pulls Up With “Motigbana” and Suddenly Every Nigerian Is Claiming Him
Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji is back in Italy after a Switzerland World Cup campaign, and instead of a generic gym playlist or a football montage soundtrack, he chose to soundtrack his return with Olamide’s classic “Motigbana.” 68.7K likes, 426 reposts, and a comment section absolutely losing it. Nigerians online have already claimed him as one of their own, again. Akanji introduces himself to the Nerazzurri fans as he gets ready to begin his adventure with Inter, described by the club as bringing serenity, composure, and quiet strength to the squad Turns out that quiet strength comes with a taste for Yoruba street-pop too.
Wait, Why Would a Swiss Defender Even Know This Song?
Because Akanji isn’t just a Swiss international with a cool surname his roots run straight back to Nigeria, and he’s been vocal about it for years. Full name Manuel Obafemi Akanji, born in Switzerland, and his mother is from Oberwinterthur, while his father is from Nigeria Manuel Akanji was their third child, born after his sisters Michelle and Sarah. His middle name isn’t just decorative either: “Obafemi” means “beloved of the king,” and he was so drawn to its meaning that he had a crown tattooed on his left forearm. His father, Abimbola, is a Nigerian finance expert and amateur footballer who passed his passion for the game on to Manuel, with young Akanji and his sister imitating their dad’s moves in the family garden, imagining themselves at the world’s biggest stadiums. That backyard dream eventually turned very real.
He’s Talked About This Before
This isn’t the first time Akanji has put his Nigerian heritage front and center. In an interview with Inter TV, the defender opened up about the tattoo on his left arm featuring an eagle and a football, explaining it as a tribute to Nigeria’s Super Eagles the national team representing his father’s homeland. “This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It is something I carry with me,” he said.
He’s also been honest about the identity balance that comes with dual heritage: “Obviously, I play for the Swiss national team, but I am still really proud of being Nigerian. I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way.” He recalled visiting Nigeria as a child, travelling there three or four times with his family, trips that gave him a lasting connection to the culture, though a packed football schedule has made recent visits difficult.
On the pitch, Switzerland has been his path he’s made 71 appearances for the Swiss national team since debuting in 2017, reaching the World Cup last-16 in both 2018 and 2022, and the European Championship quarter-finals in 2020 and 2024, earning a spot in the tournament’s team of the tournament on the most recent occasion. But clearly, the Naija side of him never left the building.
Why “Motigbana” Specifically Hits
For context, “Motigbana” is one of Olamide’s enduring street-pop records the kind of song that’s soundtracked parties, transitions, and vibes across Nigeria for years. For Akanji to reach for it specifically, rather than any generic Afrobeats crossover hit, reads less like a passing trend-chase and more like someone who’s actually plugged into the culture, not just performing a heritage moment for social media clout.
Wahala Network Take
Say what you want, but this is exactly the kind of crossover moment Nigerians live for a European football star with Naija blood putting an actual street classic on his page, no explanation needed, because for him, it clearly doesn’t need one. Blood no be water, and apparently, neither is a good Olamide needle-drop.
Welcome back to Italy, Akanji. We see you.
