Inter Milan Midfielder Opens Up on Emotional AFCON 2025 Invitation.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro

Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has emotionally revealed that he cried after receiving his Super Eagles call-up, admitting the moment felt unreal as his lifelong dream finally came true.

The youngster, currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, is among the new faces named by head coach Eric Sékou Chelle for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. His inclusion marks a major milestone in a career that has risen rapidly from the Nigeria Professional Football League to European football.

Speaking to NFF TV, Akinsanmiro disclosed how overwhelmed he felt upon receiving the invitation:

“I wasn’t expecting it. When I received the call-up, I called someone close to me and I began to cry because it has been my dream for so long.”

The 21-year-old midfielder revealed that he had previously missed out on a national team invitation during the World Cup qualifiers due to injury, making this opportunity even more special.

“I’ve tried at U-17 and U-20 levels. There were times I felt I wasn’t good enough, but I kept pushing and giving my best.”

In a revealing twist to his journey, the Beyond Limits Football Academy graduate admitted he once quit football temporarily to learn barbing, after doubting whether the sport could secure his future. However, rediscovering his passion changed everything.

Akinsanmiro joined Inter Milan in 2023 from Remo Stars on a four-year deal and has since gained experience in Serie B with Sampdoria and Serie A with Pisa, making 12 league appearances this season. His rise now culminates in a dream Super Eagles invitation, as he looks set to represent Nigeria on Africa’s biggest stage.