Zulte Waregem midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has spoken publicly about his first call-up to the Super Eagles senior squad, admitting the invitation came as a positive surprise. The 22-year-old was recently named in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.
Nnadi is not new to the national team structure, having previously represented Nigeria at the youth level. He was a member of the Flying Eagles squad that participated in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The midfielder admitted the transition to the senior team happened faster than he anticipated:
“I was young and I was always dreaming to be in the national team one day. I played in the U-20, and now I’m in the Super Eagles. Though I was not expecting it to be too soon, but now I’m here and I’m happy,” he told the Super Eagles media.
Nnadi also acknowledged the immense pressure that accompanies playing for the senior Nigerian national team but stated he is ready to help the Super Eagles claim the title in Morocco:
“I know being in the national team comes with a lot of pressure. I come from a country with a lot of people, so playing for them is heavy. But I’m here to show my quality, fight for the team, and I hope we win the AFCON,” added Nnadi.
His call-up comes as a timely reinforcement for the Super Eagles midfield, which has recently dealt with injury concerns, including a fresh setback to Kelechi Iheanacho. Nnadi’s inclusion offers a blend of youth and defensive stability as Nigeria prepares for the continental tournament.
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