Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has shared his excitement about his first game for Nigeria. He talked about the football stars who inspired him and his goals after joining Italian club Monza on loan.
Akinsanmiro made his senior international debut against Egypt in a friendly match. This was part of the preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The young player started in midfield as Nigeria lost 2-1 to the seven-time African champions in December 2025. Despite the loss, Akinsanmiro impressed and secured a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming tournament.
For him, being called up to the national team means more than just making the squad. Akinsanmiro shared that he has dreamed of representing the Super Eagles since his days in Nigeria’s U15 team. Making his senior debut was a special moment for him and his family.
“It was a dream come true,” the Monza midfielder told Sporty TV. “I have been wanting to be in the national team from the U15’s. My family also were so happy about the call-up.”
Mikel, Okocha, Ndidi inspired Akinsanmiro
Akinsanmiro admitted he didn't watch much football as a child. But he was inspired by videos of Nigeria’s great midfielders. He mentioned former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, legendary playmaker Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, and current Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as his role models.
“To be honest, I didn’t watch football that much from a young age. Growing up, I watched Mikel Obi, Okocha, and Ndidi via YouTube. These people inspire me,” he said.
His respect for Ndidi grew even more after they shared the Super Eagles dressing room at the AFCON. Akinsanmiro praised Ndidi’s mentality, aggression, discipline, and leadership. He also noted Ndidi's humility as a quality that stands out.
“Being at the AFCON with Ndidi, I can say his mentality, aggressiveness, and discipline make him a great leader. He is so humble. This is part of him that inspires me.”
Akinsanmiro sets sights on Monza success
Now that he is in a new phase of his career in Italy, Akinsanmiro wants to make an impact at Monza after his loan move during the summer transfer window.
He aims to grow personally while also helping the club achieve its goals, including winning trophies.
“I want to improve myself and be part of anything successful in Monza, and compete for the trophy as well,” he concluded.
Akinsanmiro also shared what he loves about life in Italy. He talked about the culture, food, discipline, and the humility of the Italian people.
“It’s the culture, Food, discipline and the Humility the Italians possess.”
Akinsanmiro has made a good start in his Monza journey, providing an assist on his debut despite the team losing 3-2 to Udinese at the Stadio Brianteo.
The Super Eagles midfielder hopes his performances in Italy will earn him another chance to represent Nigeria when they face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇