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NEW
AFCON 2025
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A 20-year-old Super Eagles midfield talent has drawn the attention of Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs after a standout display.
Nigerian football fans may soon see a fresh face in the Super Eagles midfield, as reports indicate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is set for his maiden call-up during the upcoming international window.
The 20-year-old Serie A prospect, currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, delivered an emphatic performance against Torino, solidifying his case for inclusion in coach Eric Chelle's squad for the critical World Cup playoff matches.
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08:34 - 03.11.2025
A tough weekend for Nigeria’s Super Eagles stars abroad led by Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, who were silenced, Lookman benched, and Maduka Okoye barely tested.
This potential inclusion is a timely boost for a national team seeking to fortify its central areas ahead of the high-stakes qualification battle.
A Star Performance That Demanded Attention
Akinsanmiro’s rise has been swift. A graduate of the Remo Stars academy in Nigeria, he secured a move to Italian giants Inter Milan before being loaned out to gain first-team experience.
His recent displays for Pisa have been exceptional, culminating in a dominant all-around performance against Torino that seemingly sealed his national team prospects.
The breakdown of his numbers tells the full story: the central midfielder completed a strong 79% of his passes, demonstrated elite ball retention by completing 100% (4 out of 4) of his dribbles, and was a defensive force, winning eight of nine contested ground duels.
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He also registered eight passes into the final third, showing his crucial role in ball progression and attack. While he unluckily struck the woodwork and missed one big chance, his impact was undeniable.
Fortifying the Engine Room
Coach Eric Chelle has been open about his desire to fortify the Super Eagles, with the midfield an area often criticised for being too reliant on the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
Akinsanmiro's profile, a box-to-box midfielder with a blend of technical quality and defensive tenacity, fits Chelle’s tactical blueprint perfectly.
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His ability to operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a more attacking mezzala makes him a versatile option. The crucial playoff against Gabon will be held in Morocco, providing a neutral and high-pressure environment.
Having a young player like Akinsanmiro, who can break up play with two clearances, one interception, and five recoveries, while also acting as a progressive passer, could be the difference-maker.
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The potential addition of Akinsanmiro signals a strategic shift towards youth for Nigeria as they push for a slot at the expanded 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
His inclusion would increase competition for established midfield roles, raising the overall performance level of the squad. Should he be called up and impress, he could rapidly transition from a prospect to a vital component of the Super Eagles’ future, providing the energy and steel needed to navigate the demanding international schedule.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro's form in Serie A has put him firmly on the radar of the Super Eagles, promising a fresh, dynamic talent for the critical World Cup playoffs.
His potential call-up is an exciting development that could provide the steel and creativity Nigeria needs to overcome Gabon and continue their journey to the 2026 World Cup.