“I Cried When I Saw It”- Akinsanmiro On Surprise AFCON Call-Up
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has opened up on the emotions that followed his surprise invitation to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the moment as one he had dreamed about for years but never truly expected to arrive so soon.
The talented midfielder admitted that the national team call-up caught him completely off guard, especially after his previous setback. Akinsanmiro was earlier invited during the World Cup qualifying campaign but was forced to miss out due to injury—an experience that made this latest invitation even more special.
Speaking on the unforgettable moment he received the call, Akinsanmiro revealed that emotions overwhelmed him instantly.
“I wasn’t expecting it, to be honest,” he said. “When I saw the invitation, I called someone very close to me and I started crying. It has been a dream for so long.”
For Akinsanmiro, the Super Eagles call-up is the reward for years of perseverance, patience, and unwavering belief. The midfielder reflected on his long journey through Nigeria’s youth national teams, admitting that there were moments of self-doubt along the way.
“I have been trying to play for the national team for so long—from the U17 to the U20. Sometimes I felt maybe I wasn’t good enough,” he confessed. “But I told myself to keep pushing and give my best. I believed that one day, the call would come.”
That day has now arrived, marking a significant milestone in Akinsanmiro’s career. As the Super Eagles gear up for AFCON, his story stands as a powerful reminder that persistence, hard work, and faith can turn long-held dreams into reality.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
