Newly invited Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has shared his excitement on receiving his first senior national team call-up, describing the moment as a lifelong dream fulfilled, Bold Sports reports.
The 22-year-old is one of five new faces named by head coach Eric Chelle in the final Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, a reward for his consistent performances in Belgium with Zulte Waregem.
Speaking on his invitation, Nnadi admitted the call-up came earlier than he expected but said the feeling was overwhelming.
“I was happy, my family was happy as well. It’s a dream come true. Since I was young, I’ve been dreaming to play for the national team,” he said. “I played in the under 20 and now I’m in the Super Eagles. I wasn’t expecting it to be too soon, but now I’m here and I’m happy.”
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Off the pitch, Nnadi revealed the players who have shaped his football journey, citing Nigerian legends as sources of inspiration: “I look up to Kanu Nwankwo. I also look up to Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka. Also Raphael Onyedika because we both play in Belgium.”
Reflecting on his background and development, Nnadi highlighted his roots in Imo State and his time at Campus Football Academy.
“I’m from Imo state, I grew up there. I was in Campus football academy but now it’s a club. They played last two seasons in the NNL. It helped me a lot. It’s an academy where you get to work hard everyday, not just on the ball but outside the pitch.”
He also highlighted Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo as a major influence, noting that his relentless work ethic taught him what it takes to succeed at the elite level.
“I’m inspired by the passion and the love for football. Getting to work hard everyday is an inspiration I got from my childhood. I looked up to players like Cristiano Ronaldo. I got to understand that it takes a lot to be at this level.”
Nnadi is no stranger to international football, having previously represented Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Fully aware of the expectations that come with playing for Nigeria, the midfielder insists he is ready to embrace the challenge.
“I know being in the national team comes with a lot of pressure cause we have over 200 million people. Playing for them, I know it’s heavy but I’m here to show my quality, fight for the team and I hope we win the AFCON.”
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