Coppa Italia: Pirlo targets former Remo star as possible Super Eagles player after shining for Sampdoria against Como

Sampdoria coach Andrea Pirlo has opened the door for former Remo Stars teenage sensation Ebenezer Akinsamiro to break into the Nigeria senior team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Akinsamiro joined Sampdoria on a season-long loan deal from Inter Milan and has already been handed a starting role in the first team as seen yesterday when they played their first competitive game of the new season in Italy.

Pirlo, speaking about the signing of the 19-year-old on loan, said it was a big coup considering the fact that he was on the radar of several teams in Italy but decided to join them.

“Very good, interesting players with a lot of potential. Akinsanmiro arrived from Inter Primavera but he was on everyone’s lips with so many requests but we did very well. Meulensteen arrived later, he did little work in Holland, he arrived with a little less work and he will have time to adapt to the work in Italy. We have already seen it, he is an intelligent player and has excellent qualities,” he concluded when asked about his two new signings.

Yesterday, Sampdoria defeated Como on penalties in the Coppa Italia after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Akinsamiro came on in the 76th minute in what was his debut as a starter in professional football.

Akinsamiro gave a good impression of himself and left Pirlo, who is a legendary midfielder in the world of football, with only praise for him. “Akinsamiro can move on and give his best if he continues to work hard. It is more in his hands now but he has great potential to be a key player for the club and the national team (Nigeria) next season,” he said after the match.