It’s a dream come true – Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro after making AFCON 2025 squad

Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro says it’s a dream come true after making the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

Akinsanmiro, who is on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan earned a place in Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad for the tournament, marking a major milestone in his young career.

Reflecting on the moment he received the call-up, Akinsanmiro admitted the news came as a surprise, especially after a previous opportunity slipped away due to injury.

“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,” Akinsanmiro told the Super Eagles media.

The 21-year-old also revealed how emotional the experience was, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition to represent Nigeria at the highest level.

“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.

“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 possible best, may be one day the invitation will come.”

Akinsanmiro’s rise has been fueled by a series of standout performances for Serie A club Pisa, where his consistency and maturity in midfield have caught the attention of the national team selectors.

The Super Eagles has opened camp in Egypt, with 25 players reporting for their pre-AFCON friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Nigeria are paired in Group C against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. The West Africa football giants are expected to open their account against Tanzania on December 23, 2025.