Tochukwu Nnadi has described his first senior call-up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a dream come true. Zulte Waregem midfielder was named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, a decision that left him stunned when he finally realised his name had made the cut.
Nnadi recalled that it was a friend who broke the news to him via social media, revealing that the development left him screaming in excitement.
“I was on call with my dad because the first list came out and it was a preliminary list. He asked if I was going to Morocco and I said I didn’t know yet, I had to wait for the final list,” Nnadi told NFF TV.
“Then a friend texted me on Instagram to congratulate me. I screamed, I’m going to the AFCON. I was happy, and my family was happy as well. It’s a dream come true. I was young and always dreaming of being in the national team one day.”
Having previously featured for Nigeria at the under-20 level, the Imo State-born midfielder admitted the senior invitation arrived sooner than expected, but he says the feeling is one of pure gratitude.
“I played in the under-20s and now I’m in the Super Eagles. Though I was not expecting it so soon, now I’m here and I’m happy,” he added.
Nnadi also reflected on the foundations of his football journey, pointing to his time at Campos Football Academy as a crucial stage in his growth.
“I was in Campos Football Academy, which is now a club in the NNL. It helped me a lot. It’s an academy where you work hard every day, not just on the ball, but also outside the pitch. It taught me discipline and how to balance football with school,” he said.
The 23-year-old understands the weight that comes with wearing the green and white, especially for a nation known for its passionate supporters. Drawing inspiration from players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Nnadi is clear about his mission with the national team.
“Playing for Nigeria is heavy, but I’m here to show my quality, fight for the team, and I hope we win the AFCON,” he said.
Nnadi began his career in Europe with Botev Plovdiv, where he made 42 league appearances over two seasons. He moved to Zulte Waregem in January 2024 and has since grown into a reliable box-to-box midfielder, featuring 34 times in the league and scoring once.
