Switzerland Euro 2020 defender Manuel Akanji says he is a big fan of Nigerian music stars Burna Boy and Davido.
Akanji was born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father.
He played a vital role as Switzerland fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 against France, before going on to win 5-4 on penalties in the round of 16 at Euro 2020.
The Borussia Dortmund star converted his own spot kick during Monday’s tensed penalty shootout.
And in a chat with OMASPORTS TV, the 25-year-old also spoke about his Nigerian link, learning to speak the yoruba language, and plans to visit Nigeria.
“My father is Nigerian and he has told me some things about Nigeria, but it’s a little different because I grew up in Switzerland. It’s not like I Grew up Nigerian but I’m kind of Nigerian and I can speak yoruba like my father. I learnt some things, I had a nice food from Nigeria and I’m planning to go there soon.
“I know ba wo ni (how are you in English), I know that from my cousins who teach me some things but the pronunciation can be too hard sometimes. I listen to Nigerian music all the time and I listen to Burna Boy and David.
“I connect with the Nigerian culture mostly with the music and the way I am, a little bit relax, I enjoy my life that’s it.”
Akanji will hope to help Switzerland progress farther at the Euros as they take on Spain in the quarter-finals.
