AFCON 2025 Heroes Return! Super Eagles Stars Boost Club Hopes After Tournament
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Nigerian Super Eagles players are making significant returns to their respective European clubs following their successful campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where they secured a bronze medal. Their rejoining of club teammates is being met with enthusiasm by managers and presidents alike, who anticipate a crucial boost to squad performance.
At Pisa, president Giuseppe Corrado has warmly welcomed midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro back to the club. Akinsanmiro, on loan from Inter Milan, rejoined his team after Nigeria's third-place finish. The 20-year-old earned his first senior Super Eagles call-up in December and was part of Eric Chelle’s AFCON squad, having developed steadily over the past two seasons, including a loan spell at Sampdoria before Pisa's promotion to Serie A. Although he featured in a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt, he remained an unused substitute during the main tournament. However, he returned to Italy with a bronze medal after Nigeria defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff. Corrado highlighted Akinsanmiro's importance, stating, "Now Akinsanmiro is back, having been away for the Africa Cup of Nations, and he'll give us a huge boost in midfield."
Fulham manager Marco Silva also expressed his delight at the return of Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze. Their month-long absence, during which they missed six league games, was keenly felt by the team. Silva noted the renewed energy and competition their return brought to training ahead of a crucial Premier League match against Brighton. He emphasized their influence goes beyond individual skills, adding, "Three good players, not just individual qualities. When they are around, off the pitch, you feel that they are around. Definitely, the three big players for us." Iwobi and Bassey are now in contention to feature against Brighton.
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies commended Super Eagles fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel for his impressive showing at the AFCON. Osayi-Samuel was instrumental in Nigeria's campaign, contributing solid defensive displays and powerful offensive runs. Davies praised his efforts despite the team not winning the title, stating, "He's back, which is great news, and congratulations to him for his performances and Nigeria's in the tournament." Concerns about a hamstring injury sustained against Egypt were allayed by Davies, who confirmed the Nigerian international has been cleared by the club's medical staff and is available to play against Stoke City, marking his return after missing nine matches.
Meanwhile, at Sevilla, Nigerian stars Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke have returned to LaLiga action, ready to help their struggling club. Sevilla, alongside Athletic Club, has not tasted victory in their last four matches. Akor Adams announced his return in style, scoring a brace against Elche to rescue a point and end a dismal four-game losing streak. Both Adams and Ejuke have been named in manager Matias Almeyda's 22-man squad for their upcoming match, with Almeyda needing his African stars to deliver. He declared, "The team is showing a fighting spirit and a desire to never give up," hoping the duo can inspire Sevilla's revival.
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