Tochukwu Nnadi has opened up on the emotional moments that followed his unexpected inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the call-up as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who plays for Zulte Waregem in the Belgian Pro League, was named in the Super Eagles’ final list for the tournament in Morocco.

The midfielder explained that uncertainty surrounded his chances after the release of the preliminary squad, leaving him and his family waiting anxiously for confirmation.

Introducing himself and recalling the build-up to the announcement, Nnadi said, “My name is Tochukwu Nnadi, a player from Zulte Waregem and a player of the Super Eagles. I was on call with my dad because the first list came out and it was the preliminary list. So my dad called me to ask me if I’m going to Morocco or not, and I said, ‘I don’t know yet. I have to wait for the final list.’”

The defining moment, he revealed, came unexpectedly while the phone conversation with his father was still ongoing.

Recounting how the news broke, Nnadi said, “I was on call with him and a friend texted me on Instagram to wish me congratulations. Then I screamed. I said, ‘Dad, I’m going to the AFCON.’ I was happy. My family was happy as well. It’s a dream come true.”

Reflecting on his journey, the midfielder traced the achievement back to his childhood ambition of wearing Nigeria’s colours, noting that the call-up arrived sooner than he ever imagined.

Speaking on that personal milestone, he said, “I was young and I was always dreaming to be in the national team one day. I played in the Under-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.”

Nnadi also highlighted the players who shaped his aspirations while growing up, drawing inspiration from Nigerian legends and compatriots excelling in Europe.

Naming his role models, he said, “I was looking up to Kanu Nwankwo. I was also looking up to Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika because I’m in Belgium and he’s also in Belgium. So those are the players that I look up to.”

The midfielder revealed that he hails from Imo State and developed his game at Campus Football Academy, an environment he credited for building his discipline both on and off the pitch.

Describing that foundation, Nnadi said, “I’m from Imo State and I grew up there. I was in Campus Football Academy, but now it’s a club. They played, I think, Class Two or something like that in the NNL. It helped me a lot. It’s an academy where you get to work hard every day, not just on the ball. You also have to do a lot of work outside the pitch. They try to monitor your school and everything.”

Beyond local influences, he explained that observing elite professionals reinforced his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

On his motivation, Nnadi said, “I’m inspired by the passion and the love of football. Getting to work hard every day is something I’ve had since childhood. Looking up to players like Cristiano Ronaldo, what they put out there and the interviews we see, you understand that they work very hard and it takes a lot to be at this level.”

Aware of the weight that comes with representing Nigeria on the continental stage, the midfielder acknowledged the pressure but expressed readiness to embrace the challenge.

Addressing that responsibility, he said, “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.”

Wale Adejumo