The Super Eagles’ preparations for their upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal have been hit by another setback, as Inter Milan-owned midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has withdrawn from the squad, according to allnigeriasoccer.com. The 21-year-old’s absence comes amid growing concerns over player availability, forcing the coaching staff to adjust their plans ahead of the June fixtures. Akinsanmiro was initially omitted from the 25-man squad but was later called in after midfielders Samson Tijani and Alhassan Yusuf pulled out due to visa complications. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed his withdrawal, citing that he is not feeling well.
Akinsanmiro, a product of the Beyond Limits academy, spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Serie A side Pisa, which was relegated at the end of the campaign. His loan deal included an option to buy and a buy-back clause, creating uncertainty over his immediate future. Although Pisa are expected to trigger the purchase option, Inter Milan are reportedly keen to exercise their €7.5 million buy-back clause to bring him back to the 2025–26 Serie A champions. The Nerazzurri believe Akinsanmiro’s market value exceeds the €6 million Pisa would pay, and they plan to sell him for a profit in the upcoming transfer window.
This transfer uncertainty, combined with his current health issues, means Akinsanmiro will not be available for the friendlies. He has only earned one cap for Nigeria, which came in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly against Egypt last December. His absence adds to the growing list of players unavailable for the matches, raising questions about the team’s depth and readiness. The Super Eagles are already navigating challenges due to injuries, fitness concerns, and administrative hurdles, making each withdrawal more impactful.
Coach Eric Chelle now faces the task of reshaping the midfield options with limited time before the matches. The team’s preparation is under pressure, and the coaching staff must rely on available players to deliver strong performances. As the transfer window approaches, Akinsanmiro’s future remains unclear, but his current focus is on recovery and resolving his club situation. The Super Eagles will need to adapt quickly to maintain momentum ahead of the friendlies, which are crucial for building confidence ahead of future competitions.
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