Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has handed the Super Eagles a timely boost after making his return from injury in Pisa’s 1–0 defeat to Parma at the Stadio Romeo Anconetani on Monday afternoon.

The 21-year-old, who had been sidelined since November, was brought on at the start of the second half to replace Marius Marin. 

His absence had seen him miss league fixtures against Sassuolo and Inter Milan. 

Despite his introduction, Pisa were unable to overturn Adrian Benedyczak’s first-half strike, which ultimately sealed the win for Parma.

Akinsanmiro, however, delivered an impressive individual display, contributing four key passes, creating a big chance, and completing 96 per cent of his passes in the opposition half while executing 100 percent accuracy in his own half. 

His strong performance offers encouragement to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The former Remo Stars midfielder was named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the biennial tournament, marking an important step in the team’s early preparations.

Akinsanmiro will now focus on regaining match sharpness and maintaining his impressive form as he pushes to secure a spot in the Super Eagles’ final AFCON squad.

Adeyemi Adewale