2025 AFCON: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Describes Super Eagles Call-Up as Dream Come True

Super Eagles debutant Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has spoken about the emotions behind his first-ever invitation to Nigeria’s national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The midfielder earned a place in head coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad for the tournament after impressing at club level, marking a major milestone in his young career.

Reflecting on the moment he received the call-up, Akinsanmiro admitted the news came as a surprise, especially after a previous opportunity slipped away due to injury.

“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 the Super Eagles media.

The 21-year-old also revealed how emotional the experience was, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition to represent Nigeria at the highest level.

“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’s rise has been fueled by a series of standout performances for Serie A club Pisa, where his consistency and maturity in midfield have caught the attention of the national team selectors.