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AFCON 2025
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Super Eagles buzz: Fans demand call-up for Nigerian youngster after first Serie A assist.
Nigerian football fans have erupted on social media, urging Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to take notice of rising midfield star Ebenezer Akinsanmiro following his impressive performance and first-ever Serie A assist for Pisa in a thrilling draw against AC Milan.
The 20-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes at the San Siro, provided the crucial pass that briefly put his side ahead in the four-goal thriller.
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10:56 - 25.10.2025
Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle has promised to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup after bringing the smiles back to Super Eagles' fans faces
Midfield Maestro Shines on Italian Stage
The excitement centers around Akinsanmiro’s standout display in Pisa’s recent fixture. With the score locked at 1-1, the young Nigerian provided the decisive ammunition for Pisa’s second goal in the final minutes, momentarily giving his team the lead.
Although the hosts, AC Milan, salvaged a point in added time, Akinsanmiro’s impact was undeniable. The former Remo Stars player's numbers from the game show his all-action performance.
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He demonstrated excellent ball retention with a 90% passing completion rate, created one chance, and completed two of his three dribbles.
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Defensively, he was a tenacious presence, recording one tackle, one block, two interceptions, and a team-high seven recoveries, coupled with a headed clearance.
A New Midfield Engine?
Akinsanmiro’s performance offers a tantalising prospect for the Super Eagles, who have often sought a consistent, energetic presence in their central midfield.
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With Chelle’s Eagles thin in the middle third, fans are quick to draw comparisons, noting his "water carrier" attributes and running power.
One fan comment, echoing the widely shared sentiment, said, “I hope Eric Chelle is paying attention to Ebenezer Akinsanmiro at Pisa in the Italian League”
“He's on the same level as [Benjamin] Fredrick. Deserves a call up especially when playing regularly in Serie A. Sweet assist today," another fan said.
Other comments emphasised his non-stop energy, labeling him an "energetic midfielder who can run for 90mins non-stop."
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This debate around selection also touches on deeper, long-standing concerns within Nigerian football circles regarding "meritocracy" in the national team selection process, with some fans linking potential call-ups to systemic issues at the national federation.
Super Eagles Midfield Depth
The emergence of Akinsanmiro, alongside other young talents, presents a timely selection dilemma and opportunity for coach Eric Chelle ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
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The Super Eagles are focused on qualification campaigns and building a robust squad for major tournaments. A player of Akinsanmiro’s statistical and physical profile could offer a much-needed injection of youth and dynamism into the midfield core.
His consistency at a high-level league like Serie A, even with a club like Pisa, bolsters the argument for his inclusion. The pressure is now on coach Chelle to decide if the 20-year-old's form merits a senior national team debut.