'A huge boost' - Italian club welcomes Super Eagles star from AFCON 2025

Pisa president Giuseppe Corrado has welcomed Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro back to the club following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Pisa president Giuseppe Corrado has expressed his delight at the return of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro following the midfielder’s involvement with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Akinsanmiro, who is on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, rejoined his club teammates after Nigeria secured a third-place finish at the continental tournament.

The 20-year-old received his first senior Super Eagles call-up in December, earning selection in head coach Eric Chelle’s AFCON squad.

His invitation came after steady development over the past two seasons, including a loan spell at Sampdoria before joining Pisa following their promotion to Serie A.

Akinsanmiro featured in a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt but did not make a competitive appearance during the tournament, remaining an unused substitute throughout Nigeria’s campaign.

Although he did not play, Akinsanmiro returned to Italy with a bronze medal after the Super Eagles defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.

The midfielder officially left the Nigerian camp on January 17, shortly after the playoff victory, making him available for club duty.

What Corrado said

Ahead of Pisa’s upcoming league fixture, Corrado highlighted the importance of having the Nigerian midfielder back in the squad.

“Now Akinsanmiro is back, having been away for the Africa Cup of Nations, and he'll give us a huge boost in midfield,” Corrado said, as quoted by Inter News.

“And other players who can raise the bar will also be returning.”