Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has revealed that he was overwhelmed with emotion following his Super Eagles call-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 21-year-old said he broke down in tears after fulfilling a lifelong dream, describing the invitation as a major milestone in his professional career.

The Pisa loanee was one of the five newcomers invited by head coach Eric Chelle for the AFCON finals.

Akinsanmiro had been tipped for inclusion in the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup qualifiers last month but missed out due to injury.

Speaking to NFF TV, the young midfielder admitted the call-up came as a surprise, prompting an emotional reaction.

“I wasn’t expecting it. The first call-up I had was during the World Cup qualifiers, but I got injured,” Akinsanmiro said.

“So, when I received this invitation, I called someone close to me and began to cry because it has been my dream for so long.

“I tried at the U-17 and U-20 levels, and there were times I felt I wasn’t good enough, but I kept pushing and giving my best.”

WDN