Akinsanmiro, Nnadi: New midfield hope as Super Eagles dream of AFCON glory
Akinsanmiro, Nnadi: New midfield hope as Super Eagles dream of AFCON glory
By Victor Okoye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
When the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 ends, whatever the outcome, two fresh names may dominate conversations: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi.
Akinsanmiro, 21, and Nnadi, 22, arrived at the tournament uncapped, but carrying the quiet promise of a midfield rebirth for the Super Eagles.
Both featured as second-half substitutes in Nigeria’s pre-tournament friendly against Egypt, offering glimpses of a future built on composure, energy and tactical intelligence.
Though Nigeria lost 2-1, the brief outing suggested the Super Eagles’ midfield pipeline remains rich, even if consistency has often lagged behind potential.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that Akinsanmiro’s rise has been steady and deliberate, beginning at Beyond Limits, Remo Stars’ academy arm, before earning promotion to the NPFL.
Read Also: Russia, Africa to strengthen cooperation in trade, environmental…
His performances helped Remo Stars gain promotion, attracting Inter Milan, who signed him in early 2023 as one for the future.
After patiently waiting, Akinsanmiro made his Serie A debut this year before moving on loan to Pisa, where he has quickly impressed.
In just 11 league appearances, he has already claimed two Man-of-the-Match awards, underlining his growing influence.
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Akinsanmiro blends stamina, crisp passing and positional awareness, traits that caught Coach Eric Chelle’s attention.
An earlier Super Eagles invitation was delayed by injury, making this AFCON call-up a personal milestone.
“It has been my dream for so long to play for the national team,” Akinsanmiro told NAN during the Super Eagles training session ahead their final AFCON group game in Fès, Morocco on Tuesday.
Reflecting on years of self-doubt in spite of the youth-level appearances, he said: “I just kept pushing, believing that if I worked hard enough, the chance would come,” he added.
Against Egypt, however, he struggled to fully impose himself after being deployed in an unfamiliar advanced role.
Yet, with rotation likely in Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda, another opportunity may beckon.
Coach Eric Chelle has hinted that the clash will prioritise intelligent player management over sentiment.
“This is not a competition for the first eleven,” Chelle said. “It’s a competition for the whole team.”
“Sometimes, the player who plays five minutes scores the decisive goal,” he added.
Chelle explained that the final group game balances winning momentum with readiness for the knockout phase.
“The third game is about player management. We want to win, but we must also project ourselves forward,” he said.
For Akinsanmiro, the AFCON experience has already been transformative.
“It’s a big step to play among these senior players,” he said, praising the leadership within the squad.
“Whenever I’m called upon, I will contribute my best for the team’s success,” he added.
Drawing inspiration from Jay-Jay Okocha, John Mikel Obi and Paul Pogba, Akinsanmiro says constant learning remains his motivation.
If Akinsanmiro represents promise, Nnadi offered immediate assurance against Egypt.
The Zulte Waregem midfielder, already linked with West Ham United, was arguably Nigeria’s standout performer in limited minutes.
Calm under pressure, Nnadi demanded possession, dictated tempo and pressed intelligently, belying his lack of senior experience.
His passing was crisp, his movement assured, and his confidence unmistakable.
“It takes a lot to be at this level,” Nnadi said. “I’m here to show my quality and fight for the team.”
Having featured at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Nnadi made the leap to senior football look seamless.
Nigeria’s AFCON history is rich with unlikely heroes who announced themselves on the continental stage.
From Emmanuel Amunike in 1994 to Tijani Babangida in 2000, AFCON has often been a launchpad.
Sunday Mbah’s unforgettable goals in 2013 remain a reminder of how quickly unknowns can become legends.
More recently, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged from obscurity to claim Nigeria’s number-one shirt at the last AFCON.
With Akinsanmiro and Nnadi, history may be stirring once again, albeit from deeper midfield positions.
Though not a wholesale rebuild, Chelle’s willingness to refresh the midfield signals a new direction.
Neither youngster has featured competitively yet, but Nigeria’s secured qualification offers opportunity.
Against Uganda, Nigerians may witness the birth of one star — or two — in real time.(NANFeatures)
