Ebenezer Akinsanmiro makes debut. African footballers. On Sunday, the revered San Siro witnessed the fulfilment of a dream for 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Making his debut for Inter Milan in their impressive 4-0 victory against Lecce in Serie A, he left an indelible mark in the record books.
While not the first Nigerian to don the iconic black and blue stripes – a distinction held by legends like Taribo West and Obafemi Martins – Akinsanmiro’s debut marked a momentous occasion for his former academy, Beyond Limits Academy, at Remo Stars in Nigeria. His substitution in the 76th minute, replacing Davide Frattesi, firmly established him as the latest Nigerian talent to make a breakthrough at Inter Milan.
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New Nigerian talent – Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Akinsanmiro’s journey to Serie A commenced at Beyond Limits, where his natural talent and unwavering commitment caught the attention of scouts. His standout performance at the Viareggio Youth Tournament intensified interest from European clubs, leading to a competitive pursuit of his signature.
In January 2023, Inter Milan secured his services, recognizing the promising talent within him. Akinsanmiro quickly adapted to Italian football, earning praise from the coaching staff at the youth level. His significant contribution to Inter Primavera’s U-19 Scudetto victory last season highlighted his technical prowess and tactical acumen on the field. Due to his dedication and rapid progress, he earned a call-up to the senior team.
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Inspiring the youth ‘Beyond Limits’
Akinsanmiro’s debut has sparked waves of excitement at Beyond Limits Academy, serving as a potent inspiration for aspiring young players across Nigeria. It underscores that unwavering commitment and hard work can pave the way to the grandest stages in world football. His narrative stands as a testament to the growing talent emerging from Nigerian academies, likely fuelling interest in future stars waiting to be uncovered.
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi recognized Akinsanmiro’s potential, commenting, “He is a young player with exciting prospects. He has shown great work ethic and determination in training, and we believe he has the potential to contribute significantly to the team in the future.”
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With his inaugural Serie A appearance, Akinsanmiro’s future looks promising. He aims to build on this debut and further develop under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside world-class players at Inter Milan. His journey is just starting, and Nigerian football fans eagerly watch as he strives to carve his own legacy at the San Siro.
Akinsanmiro’s success story serves as a beacon of hope, not only for aspiring footballers in Nigeria but also for the nation’s sustained presence at the pinnacle of the sport. From the academies of his homeland to the revered grounds of the San Siro, the Nigerian teenager’s journey showcases the abundant talent in Nigeria, ensuring that the Nigerian flag continues to proudly wave on the international stage.