The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has been handed a significant setback just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament kicks off in Morocco.
Midfield Star's Race Against Time
Head coach Eric Chelle is facing a major selection headache as doubts intensify over the fitness of promising midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. The 21-year-old Inter Milan player, currently on a successful loan spell at Serie A side Pisa, was named in Nigeria's provisional 54-man squad earlier this week. However, his participation in the continental showpiece is now under a serious cloud.
Akinsanmiro, who has made eight starts in ten appearances for Pisa this season, was previously sidelined by a shoulder injury. Initial reports suggested a six-week recovery timeline, raising hopes he could feature for Pisa against Parma on Monday, December 9th. However, fresh updates from Italian outlet Parma Live indicate the player has not yet rejoined full team training. As of Thursday, December 5th, he was still working out individually, casting a long shadow over his readiness for AFCON.
Chelle's Tactical Plans in Jeopardy
This development presents a complex challenge for Coach Eric Chelle, who is preparing for his first major tournament in charge of the Super Eagles. Following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chelle was expected to revitalize the squad, particularly in midfield, with younger, dynamic talents like Akinsanmiro.
The midfielder's composure and ball-playing abilities were seen as a perfect fit for Chelle's envisioned tactical setup. His potential absence is a severe blow to the team's creative depth, which currently relies heavily on Alex Iwobi. The situation forces Chelle into a difficult balancing act between squad potential and player fitness, with the final 28-man squad list due to be submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) next week.
Final Fitness Test to Decide Fate
Time is rapidly running out for Akinsanmiro. He is now expected to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Pisa's match against Parma. The outcome of this assessment will be crucial.
If he passes and can demonstrate match readiness, he may still force his way into Chelle's final plans. Failure, however, will almost certainly see the exciting prospect dropped from the tournament roster. In a demanding competition like AFCON, which begins on December 21, 2025, Nigeria cannot afford to carry injured players.
This midfield concern compounds the pressure on Chelle, who is also tasked with trimming his large provisional squad down to the mandated 28 players. Reports suggest several other high-profile names from the initial list are also likely to be cut as the coach seeks the right blend for Nigeria's quest for a fourth AFCON title.
