Akanji Withdraws from Penalty Duties for Switzerland

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin announced that Nigerian-born defender Manuel Akanji will no longer be included among the team's penalty takers following his missed spot kick during the FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Colombia. Akanji, who plays for Inter Milan, was the only Swiss player to miss a penalty in the shootout, sending his attempt soaring over the crossbar.

Despite this setback, Switzerland managed to advance to the quarter-finals, thanks to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel's vital save and Rubin Varga's successful penalty conversion. Yakin revealed that Akanji had already communicated his decision to withdraw from penalty responsibilities after the unfortunate miss.

The coach commended Akanji's leadership and overall contributions to the team, emphasizing that the penalty miss does not diminish his significance to the national team. Akanji, born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother, has expressed pride in his Nigerian heritage, which he honors with a tattoo of the Super Eagles crest on his arm.