Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, the captain of the Black Meteors, recently attributed a significant part of his international recognition to Ghanaian actor and comedian Samuel Nana Yaw Dabo.
Dabo, the founder of the renowned ‘Dabo Soccer Academy,’ played a pivotal role in nurturing and honing Barnieh’s football skills before his tenure with Accra Hearts of Oak and subsequent inclusion in the senior national team, the Black Stars.
Barnieh’s exceptional performance in the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and his achievements with Hearts of Oak, where he clinched the FA Cup and League title, propelled him into the spotlight. He expressed deep gratitude to Yaw Dabo for his invaluable support and influence in boosting his profile. The young footballer acknowledged that Dabo’s endorsement and promotion significantly contributed to his increased visibility on the global stage.
Moreover, Barnieh’s impressive performances earned him a spot in Otto Addo’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.
During an interview with Poleena Multimedia, the FC Zurich attacker emphasized the impact of Dabo’s extensive social media following and influence, which played a pivotal role in exposing him to a wider audience beyond the realm of football. As he continues to pursue his passion on the field, Barnieh remains deeply grateful for the opportunities and exposure that Dabo provided, acknowledging the significant impact the actor had in making him a prominent figure in the world of football.
“I am more than okay if someone sees me and calls me Dabo’s boy because if not him, people would not have known Afriyie Barnieh in the world, so I am more than okay,” Barnieh expressed gratefully.
Currently, Afriyie Barnieh is diligently preparing with the Black Meteors in Egypt for the upcoming 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be held in Morocco.
The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to commence on June 24 and conclude on July 8, where Barnieh and his team will strive for success on the international stage.
