Inter Milan loanee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is among the new faces to receive a maiden Super Eagles call-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the youngster admits he has settled into the team seamlessly, reports Soccernet.ng.
Akinsanmiro has been one of the standout young Nigerian talents over the past year, making it little surprise that he caught the eye of Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle.
However, the Pisa midfielder must bide his time before becoming a regular fixture in Nigeria's starting lineup.
For now, he will have to serve as an understudy to senior players like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka.
In a recent interview, Akinsanmiro was asked which teammates he has grown closest to during his time in camp.
The 21-year-old emphasized the unity of the squad, stating, “I'm close to everybody. We are like a family, so I’m close to everyone”.
Akinsanmiro also recounted a previous encounter with former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.
Akinsanmiro said that while he was at Inter Milan, the met each other during a match against Napoli.
My questions for Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro pic.twitter.com/KnMMHrEIFG
— Kelvin OO (@KelvinOma_) December 30, 2025
“He came to me and spoke some words of encouragement to me,” Akinsanmiro told Soccernet.ng.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Tells Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle His Best Position
In Ebenezer Akinsanmiro's first game for Nigeria against Egypt before the start of AFCON 2025, he was deployed as an attacking midfielder.
But Chelle was criticized for that decision, as some Nigerian fans felt Akinsanmiro would play better as a central midfielder.
However, the Inter Milan loanee has confirmed that his best and most-preferred position is the attacking midfield role.
“I play midfield anywhere, but I like to play attacking midfield,” he told Soccernet.ng.
The Super Eagles have already qualified for the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, so coach Chelle will likely rotate his starting 11. This will be opportunities for players who haven't played so far to get minutes.
