Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has spoken about finally making his senior Nigeria debut, the football legends who influenced his development and his ambitions after joining Italian side Monza on loan.
Akinsanmiro made his first appearance for the senior national team against Egypt in a friendly match ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The former Remo Stars midfielder started in midfield as Nigeria lost 2-1 to the seven-time African champions in December 2025.
Despite the defeat, Akinsanmiro impressed enough to earn a place in Nigeria’s squad for the continental tournament.
For the midfielder, however, earning a senior call-up represented more than simply securing a place in the squad.
Akinsanmiro said representing the Super Eagles had been an ambition since his time with Nigeria’s U15 team, making his senior debut a memorable occasion for him and his family.
“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.”
Mikel, Okocha and Ndidi inspired Akinsanmiro
Akinsanmiro said he did not watch much football while growing up but revealed that footage of some of Nigeria’s leading midfielders played a role in shaping his development.
He named former Chelsea and Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, Nigerian football legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and current Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi among the players who inspired him.
“To be honest, I didn’t watch football that much from a young age. Growing up, I watched Mikel Obi, Okocha, and Ndidi via YouTube. These people inspire me,” he said.
His respect for Ndidi increased after the pair shared the Super Eagles dressing room at the AFCON.
Akinsanmiro praised Ndidi’s mentality, aggression, discipline and leadership, while also highlighting the midfielder’s humility.
“Being at the AFCON with Ndidi, I can say his mentality, aggressiveness, and discipline make him a great leader. He is so humble. This is part of him that inspires me.”
Akinsanmiro targets success at Monza
Following his move to Italy, Akinsanmiro is looking forward to establishing himself at Monza after joining the club on loan during the summer transfer window.
The midfielder said his objectives include improving his game, contributing to the team and competing for trophies.
“I want to improve myself and be part of anything successful in Monza, and compete for the trophy as well,” he said.
He also spoke positively about his early experience of life in Italy, mentioning the country’s culture, food, discipline and the humility of its people.
“It’s the culture, Food, discipline and the Humility the Italians possess.”
Akinsanmiro has already made an encouraging start to his time at Monza, providing an assist on his debut despite the club’s 3-2 defeat to Udinese at the Stadio Brianteo.
The Super Eagles midfielder will now hope his performances in Italy lead to another opportunity with Nigeria as the team prepares to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.