Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to include Ebenezer Akinsanmiro in Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations took the Inter Milan loanee by surprise, Footynaija.com understands.
Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Serie A side Pisa from Italian giants Inter Milan, has done well to stand out with his performances so far this season despite playing for a team struggling at the bottom end of the table.
Reflecting on his maiden call-up to the national team, the 21-year-old opened up on his emotional reaction. He described the invite as “a dream come true” after several failed attempts to represent Nigeria at various youth levels.
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“I was not expecting it to be honest , the first time I was contacted was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I was injured and couldn’t make it,” Akinsanmiro told Super Eagles media.
“So, when this invitation came, I called someone close to me, I was actually shedding tears because it was a dream come true for me.
“I have been trying to play for the national team, from U-17 to U-20. Then, I felt maybe I was not good enough. I told myself I will keep pushing and doing my possible best, may be one day the invitation will come.”
Akinsanmiro also took time to appreciate members of his family for their constant support, particularly father and brothers, who were also footballers and inspired him to become a professional of the sport.
“My daddy inspired me, he was once a footballer, and my two brothers. They were footballers too. I took a lot of interest in the game while watching them play, “added Akinsanmiro.
“Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbing. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father, and brothers for their support.”
The young midfielder will surely be relishing the opportunity to make his mark for Nigeria at the continent’s biggest international tournament. And many fans will also be on the look out for what the former Remo Stars player has to offer the Super Eagles.
