AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle faces headache as Serie A gem is still unfit to play

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle might be forced to tweak his midfield selection for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to injuries, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The Franco-Malian tactician's provisional list for the 2025 AFCON was announced earlier this week, and it included many new names.

​One of the new invitees is Pisa's Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. The 21-year-old midfielder has been impressive in Serie A this season and has proven to be a key player for his newly promoted club.

​The Inter Milan loanee was even expected to make Nigeria's team for the last international break, but a shoulder injury ruled him out of contention.

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​He was supposed to spend around 4-6 weeks on the sidelines. Last week, it was revealed that he would be back in action for Pisa's game against Parma at Arena Garibaldi on Monday.

​But fresh reports from Parma Live indicate that Akinsanmiro is yet to reach full fitness. As of Thursday, the Inter Milan loanee was still training individually, away from the rest of the squad.

​This means that he has not been passed fit yet and would definitely have to undergo a late fitness test before he can play against Parma on Monday.

​Can Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Make Eric Chelle's Super Eagles Squad?

​Eric Chelle has been notorious for not selecting enough midfielders for games, but he is expected to switch things up, especially as this is his first major tournament with Nigeria.

​Moreover, the regular midfielders have not been great, so he has to get new players who can challenge for a starting shirt with the kind of setup he employs.

​Akinsanmiro could be that player for Nigeria. However, his injury might just be the reason he doesn't make the 2025 AFCON squad.

​The final list is expected to be revealed next week. Akinsanmiro will have to prove that he is fit enough to play if he wants to make Chelle's team.