Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has opened up on the inspiration behind his decision to recreate Nwankwo Kanu’s iconic celebration after scoring his first senior international goal for Nigeria during their thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Besiktas midfielder’s goal marked a major personal milestone, coming after more than a decade of representing Nigeria across youth and senior levels. Scoring for the first time at the senior international stage was particularly emotional for Ndidi, who has long been an integral part of the Super Eagles setup, often contributing in midfield battles without finding the back of the net.
Nigeria’s victory in their second Group C encounter not only secured an early spot in the knockout stages but also maintained the team’s momentum and confidence heading deeper into the tournament. Ndidi’s contribution was celebrated both for its timing and its personal significance.[/p>
First international goal after a decade of service
Ndidi’s historic goal came in the second half from a well-delivered corner by Ademola Lookman, heading Nigeria into a commanding 2-0 lead before Tunisia mounted a late challenge. The moment was a culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and patience, highlighting the perseverance of a player who had been a mainstay in the national team without scoring at the senior level.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ndidi stated, “It was really special. After a decade, scoring my first goal is really amazing, and we got the win, which is more important. It’s a combination of personal pride and team success.”
Kanu-inspired celebration and family influence
Following the goal, Ndidi paid homage to Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu by replicating the iconic celebration from the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. The gesture carried deep personal meaning, inspired by memories shared with his father, who often spoke fondly of Kanu’s achievements on the international stage.
Ndidi explained, “I just remembered my dad. My dad always talks about Kanu. I had seen the video and said I would do that one for my dad.” This explanation highlighted how personal history and family influence can shape how athletes express themselves on the field, connecting past and present heroes.
Maintaining focus on team objectives
Despite the emotional highs of scoring and the team’s hard-fought win, Ndidi emphasized the importance of staying grounded. He reminded both fans and teammates that the tournament is far from over and that maintaining focus is key for continued success.
“It’s just two games. We still have the next game to play and we cannot relax,” Ndidi said. “We stay focused on the course. The most important thing is the next game. We go back to the drawing board, see our mistakes and improve.”
Comfort in Fes and managing fatigue
Ndidi also spoke positively about the team’s base in Fes, describing the city and its people as welcoming and supportive. He suggested the team would prefer to continue their stay there if possible, adding a layer of comfort and familiarity for the players during the tournament.
Regarding physical fatigue, particularly after a rain-affected and intense match, Ndidi downplayed concerns, noting, “It didn’t affect anything. Of course, the last 15 or 20 minutes were intense and you feel tired, but that’s normal.” His remarks reassured fans that the squad remains physically prepared despite the demanding conditions.
Message to Nigerians
Closing his interview, Ndidi addressed supporters back home, encouraging continued support and engagement with the team. He shared a heartfelt message of gratitude and optimism, saying, “Just sit at home, keep enjoying and keep supporting the team. We are trying everything to make the country proud, and we’ll continue to do that. Happy new year.”
Looking ahead, Nigeria will conclude their group-stage campaign against Uganda on Tuesday. With qualification already secured, the focus shifts to fine-tuning strategies, addressing weaknesses identified in previous matches, and preparing for the more challenging knockout rounds of the tournament.
Ndidi’s reflections underline the balance between personal milestones, team responsibilities, and national pride, offering fans insight into the mindset of a player who values both legacy and current achievement in Nigerian football.