Pisa manager Alberto Gilardino has expressed confidence that Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will be named in Nigeria's final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Inter Milan loanee has been included in manager Eric Chelle's provisional 54-man squad for the upcoming tournament in Morocco.

There had been concerns over whether Akinsanmiro would be fit in time for the continental showpiece, but those fears were eased on Monday when  he featured for the entirety of the second half in Pisa’s home defeat to Parma, signalling a return to match fitness.

Despite Gilardino's optimism, Akinsanmiro faces stiff competition in Chelle's midfield pecking order.

Established players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf currently sit ahead of the Remo Stars academy graduate. 

Meanwhile, Getafe loanee Christantus Uche, who offers versatility in both midfield and attack, is also pushing for inclusion in the final squad.

Speaking after his side's loss to Parma, Gilardino was quoted as saying by FCInterNews: "Akinsanmiro? After Lecce, he'll miss several matches ."

Since his loan move to Pisa, which includes an option to buy, Akinsanmiro has made twelve appearances across all competitions, demonstrating glimpses of the talent that earned him a spot in Nigeria's provisional Afcon squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel