Tochukwu Nnadi has described his first senior call-up to the Super Eagles as a “dream come true,” saying the moment he learned he would be part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco was unforgettable, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Zulte Waregem midfielder recalled being on the phone with his father when the preliminary list was released.
“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, my family was happy as well. It’s a dream come true. I was young and always dreaming to be in the national team one day.”
“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.”
The midfielder, a native of Imo State, credited his development to his early training in Nigeria and abroad.
“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.
Nnadi added that he draws inspiration from international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, and understands the pressure of playing for a country with passionate supporters.
“Playing for Nigeria is heavy, but I’m here to show my quality, fight for the team, and I hope we win the AFCON.”
Nnadi began his professional career with Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, making 42 league appearances over two seasons, before transferring to Belgian second-tier club Zulte Waregem in January 2024.
The 23-year-old is known as a high-energy box-to-box midfielder, he has made 34 league appearances for the Belgian side and scored once.
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