Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has been selected to read the official athlete’s oath at the opening ceremony of the 76th Viareggio Cup, one of world football’s most prestigious youth tournaments.
The ceremony will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Pini-Bresciani Stadium in Viareggio, immediately before the tournament’s opening match between Genoa and Mavlon.
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The honour underscores Akinsanmiro’s rising profile in European football and his strong personal connection to the tournament.
The midfielder first came to international attention at the Viareggio Cup in 2022, when he featured for Nigerian youth side Alex Transfiguration helping the team reach the final and earning widespread praise for his performances.
Now 21, Akinsanmiro is currently on loan at Pisa SC from Inter Milan, where he has enjoyed an impressive season, establishing himself as a regular starter.
His consistent displays have also placed him firmly on the radar of Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.
The 76th edition of the Viareggio Cup will run for two weeks and feature 24 Under-18 teams from Italy and around the world.
The competition schedule includes the group stage from March 9–15, the Round of 16 on March 17, quarter-finals on March 19, and the final on March 23, 2026.
Akinsanmiro’s selection to read the opening oath is seen as both a personal milestone and a proud moment for Nigerian football, highlighting the growing influence of the country’s young talents on the global stage.
