S’Eagles Invitation Is Dream Come True For Me—Akinsanmiro
Newly invited Super Eagles star Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has revealed that his invitation to the team is a dream come true ahead of the Nations Cup in Morocco.
Akinsanmiro was a surprise inclusion in Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad for the tournament, as the PISA SC of Italy midfielder was handed his first call-up.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season with Pisa in the Serie A with several eye-catching performances.
The former Beyond Limits star has opened up on his reaction to the Super Eagles’ invitation for the Nations Cup.
Akinsanmiro said, “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.
“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.
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“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 best; maybe one day the invitation will come.”
Akinsanmiro also revealed that he had to take a break from football to learn barbing at a point in his career.
He said, “Then, there was a time I took a break from football to learn barbering. I’m a professional barber too. I must thank my father and brothers for their support.
“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.”
Akinsanmiro joined Inter Milan in January 2023 on a four-year deal.
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He made his first-team debut for Inter Milan on 25 February 2024, coming on as a substitute for Davide Frattesi in the 76th minute of a 4–0 league victory over Lecce.
He was loaned out to Pisa in the summer with an option to buy, and a buy-back clause in favour of Inter Milan.
The 21-year-old can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or right winger. He started nine Serie A matches for Pisa this season, while coming on as a substitute in three matches.
Akinsanmiro will be hoping to get a chance to impress for the Super Eagles when they take on Egypt in a tune-up game on Tuesday.
