Zulte Waregem star recalls emotional moment he learned he made Nigeria’s squad for Morocco 2025 as family, friends erupt in joy.

Tochukwu Nnadi

Zulte Waregem midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi says his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is a “dream come true,” describing the life-changing moment he learned he had made the final squad list.

Speaking to NFF TV, the 23-year-old revealed he was on a call with his father when the preliminary list first appeared and had no idea if he would eventually make the team. Moments later, a congratulatory message on Instagram confirmed what he had been hoping for.

“A friend texted me to congratulate me. I screamed — I’m going to AFCON. I was happy, my family was happy. It’s a dream come true,” he said.

Nnadi, who featured for Nigeria at U20 level, admitted he did not expect his senior breakthrough to arrive so soon.

“I was young and always dreaming to be in the national team one day. I played in the U20s, and now I’m in the Super Eagles. I wasn’t expecting it so soon, but I’m here and I’m happy.”

Rooted in discipline and development

Born in Imo State, Nnadi credits his football foundation to early training in Nigeria — especially at Campos Football Academy, where he learned discipline on and off the pitch.

“It helped me a lot. We worked hard every day, not just with the ball. It taught me discipline and how to balance football with school.”

He also revealed he draws inspiration from global superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, and understands the weight of representing a football-loving nation.

“Playing for Nigeria is heavy, but I’m here to show my quality, fight for the team, and I hope we win the AFCON.”

Growing career in Europe

Nnadi began his professional journey at Botev Plovdiv in Bulgaria, where he made 42 league appearances before joining Zulte Waregem in January 2024. Known for his high-energy box-to-box style, he has played 34 league matches for the Belgian side so far, scoring once.

With AFCON just months away, Nnadi says he is ready to seize his moment.