“Players who can raise the bar” – Pisa boss praise Nigerian star with strange stat at AFCON 2025

Pisa President Giuseppe Corrado has expressed his delight following the return of Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Akinsanmiro received his maiden international call-up in December for the AFCON 2025 held in Morocco.

The Inter Milan loanee earned his spot in Eric Chelle’s squad following two years of consistent performances, which included a decent loan spell at Sampdoria before joining newly promoted Serie A side Pisa.

However, ​while Akinsanmiro appeared set for a significant role after starting in Nigeria’s pre-tournament friendly against Egypt, coach Chelle did not give him his competitive debut.

Despite the early promise, the Black and Blues midfielder did not see a single minute of action throughout the competition. Chelle opted not to use him even in the final group-stage dead rubber against Uganda.

Nevertheless, Akinsanmiro returns with a bronze medal after Nigeria secured a third-place finish at AFCON 2025 by beating Egypt.

​With the tournament concluded, Akinsanmiro has rejoined his teammates to focus on the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.

Pisa President Corrado Happy To Get Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Back After AFCON 2025

Pisa’s next game is a tough Serie A fixture against Inter Milan at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Friday, January 23.

​Akinsanmiro, who departed the Super Eagles camp on January 17 following the third-place victory over Egypt, is now fully available for selection.

Ahead of the game, club president Corrado has epxressed his elation that one his best midfielders is back and ready to contribute immediately to the club’s campaign.

“Now Akinsanmiro is back, having been away for the Africa Cup of Nations, and he'll give us a huge boost in midfield. And other players who can raise the bar will also be returning,” president Corrado said, per Inter News.

The game against Inter Milan promises to be a tough one for the Black and Blues The Nerazzurri currently sit at the summit of the Italian top-flight, and they bug favourites against a Pisa side that is desperately hanging onto their Serie A status.