‘It was a dream come true’ – Ebenezer Akinsanmiro reflects on Super Eagles breakthrough

Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has opened up on the significance of his Nigeria debut, the players who shaped his football journey and his ambitions after joining Italian side Monza.

Akinsanmiro earned his first senior Nigeria cap in December 2025 when he started against Egypt in a preparatory match ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria lost 2-1 to the seven-time African champions, but the appearance marked an important milestone for the former Remo Stars midfielder, who had been hoping to represent the Super Eagles since his youth days.

‘It was a dream come true’

For Akinsanmiro, receiving the call-up was the fulfilment of an ambition he had carried since representing Nigeria at U15 level.

“It was a dream come true,” the Monza midfielder told Sporty TV. “I have been wanting to be in the national team from the U15’s. My family also were so happy about the call up.”

His debut also came shortly before the 2025 AFCON, where he was included in Nigeria’s squad for the tournament.

The experience provided the young midfielder with an opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s established players and observe the standards required at international level.

Among those who made an impression on him was Wilfred Ndidi, whose approach to the game particularly stood out to Akinsanmiro.

Ndidi’s mentality inspires Akinsanmiro

Akinsanmiro identified former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Ndidi as the players who inspired him while growing up.

“To be honest, I don’t watch football that much from my young age. Growing up, I watched Mikel Obi, Okocha, and Ndidi. These people inspire me,” he revealed.

His time with the Super Eagles at the AFCON allowed him to see Ndidi beyond his performances on the pitch, with Akinsanmiro praising the midfielder’s mentality and leadership.

“Being at the AFCON with Ndidi, I can say his mentality, aggressiveness, and discipline, a great leader. He is so humble. This is part of him that inspires me.”

The experience could prove valuable as Akinsanmiro continues to establish himself at senior international level and develop his game in Italy.

Monza challenge awaits

Following his international breakthrough, Akinsanmiro is now focused on making his mark at Monza after completing a loan move to the Italian club during the summer transfer window.

The midfielder has already made an encouraging start to life with his new side, registering an assist on his debut despite Monza’s 3-2 defeat to Udinese at the Stadio Brianteo.

Akinsanmiro has made clear that personal development and contributing to the club’s ambitions are his immediate priorities.

“I want to improve myself and be part of anything successful in Monza,” he concluded.

His performances for Monza could also influence his chances of returning to the Super Eagles squad, with Nigeria preparing for their upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying matches.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their next qualifiers, giving Akinsanmiro another target as he looks to build on his first senior international appearance and establish a more permanent place in Nigeria’s midfield.