Nigeria, Sept. 16 -- Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has opened up on his long-awaited Nigeria debut, the football icons who shaped his career and his ambitions after joining Italian club Monza on loan.

Akinsanmiro earned his first senior international appearance against Egypt in a preparatory friendly ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The former Remo Stars midfielder was handed a starting role in midfield as Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to the seven-time African champions in December 2025.

Despite the setback, Akinsanmiro did enough to impress and subsequently secured his place in Nigeria's squad for the biennial continental tournament.

For the youngster, however, the significance of the call-u...