Pisa head coach Alberto Gilardino has attributed Ebenezer Akinsanmiro's below-par showing in the heavy defeat to Inter Milan to the midfielder's recent involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Akinsanmiro, who has enjoyed an impressive campaign since the start of the season, featured for just 45 minutes as Pisa were thrashed 6–2 by his parent club, Inter. 

The Nigeria international struggled to impose himself on the game, lacking his usual physicality, composure and control in midfield.

Speaking ahead of Pisa's upcoming league clash against Sassuolo, Gilardino admitted that Akinsanmiro is still feeling the physical effects of his AFCON participation and needs time to regain peak condition.

The coach urged Akinsanmiro to remain patient and focused as he works his way back ahead of the clash at the Stadio Romeo Anconetani.

 "He was penalized physically by the Africa Cup of Nations. Now he needs to stay calm and get back to his best condition," Gilardino said as reported by FC Internews. 

Although Akinsanmiro featured in a friendly match against Egypt during the tournament, he did not play in any competitive game as the Super Eagles went on to secure the bronze medal in Morocco.

His time away from club football also saw him miss six league matches for Pisa.

Adeyemi Adewale