Pisa boss confirms Akinsanmiro AFCON inclusion

Akinsanmiro.

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Pisa manager Alberto Gilardino has confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will join the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the club’s next league match, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking after Pisa’s defeat to Parma, Gilardino said the 21-year-old would be unavailable for several weeks once he featured against Lecce, adding, “Akinsanmiro? After Lecce he will miss several matches.”

The remark effectively served as the coach’s confirmation that the midfielder will take part in the tournament in Morocco, which runs from December 21 to January 18.

Akinsanmiro returned from injury in the second half of the match against Parma and was named Pisa’s best performer, offering energy, dynamism and control in midfield.

He won three of five duels, completed almost all his passes, and brought renewed intensity despite the team’s inability to avoid defeat.

The display reinforced his rapid development in his first Serie A season, which has seen him emerge as one of the division’s most impressive young players.

His rise has not gone unnoticed at international level, with Nigeria including him in their provisional AFCON squad.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has monitored him closely, noting his technical quality and ability to link transitions swiftly, traits considered valuable against tightly organised opponents in Morocco.

Akinsanmiro, on loan from Inter, has produced several standout performances for Pisa this season, including a Man of the Match showing against Fiorentina and a decisive assist in the draw with AC Milan before his brief injury absence.

His consistency has strengthened Pisa’s resolve to secure him permanently, despite their relegation concerns.

Akinsanmiro joined Inter in 2023 from Beyond Limits and completed a loan spell at Sampdoria last season before signing for Pisa on a one-year deal.

He has since become one of their leading performers and is now set for his first major international tournament as he prepares to link up with the Super Eagles after the match against Lecce.

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