Tears, Dreams and YouTube Heroes: Akinsanmiro’s AFCON Moment

Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has described his invitation to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as an emotional moment he never expected. The Pisa player admitted the call-up brought him to tears after years of setbacks and quiet determination.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be honest,” Akinsanmiro said, recalling how a previous invitation during World Cup qualifiers ended in injury. He added that when he saw the AFCON invite, he “called someone who is closer to me and I started crying… because it has been a dream for so long.”

The midfielder said playing for Nigeria’s senior team had been a lifelong ambition, even though he came through the U17 and U20 teams without success. “I just felt like maybe when I keep on pushing… maybe one day, I will be called up,” he explained.

Akinsanmiro also revealed his admiration for former captain John Obi Mikel and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, saying he studied their highlights online. “I only watch these people on YouTube… and I love them.”

He credited his father and brothers for motivating him, despite briefly quitting football to learn a trade. Akinsanmiro now hopes to make his senior debut against Egypt in a warm-up match.