Nnadi frustrated by early exit despite Nigeria’s win over Tanzania

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi said he was disappointed to be withdrawn at half-time in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Tanzania, despite celebrating a special home debut in Uyo on Friday.

Nnadi, who started the match, was replaced at the beginning of the second half by Tolu Arokodare. The substitute went on to score twice, helping Nigeria secure victory.

The 23-year-old Olympique Marseille midfielder said appearing in front of the home supporters, including his family, made the occasion particularly important after injuries prevented him from taking part in Nigeria’s previous AFCON qualifying matches.

“I am happy making my debut yesterday in front of the Nigerian fans and my family was also here to watch the game,” Nnadi told Football Fans Tribe.

“It’s one of the reasons why I am playing football, to see my family happy and my friends.

“The last AFCON qualification games, I didn’t come because I had injuries. All I wanted was to bring my family to see me play and they were here yesterday. I am happy to make my debut and I hope to have more games with the Super Eagles.”

Nnadi explains tactical approach

Nnadi said his recent role as a left midfielder for Olympique Marseille helped him adjust to head coach Eric Chelle’s tactical demands.

He explained that his position at club level involves regular movement and rotation, which encouraged him to search for space during Nigeria’s match against Tanzania.

“I think for like five games in Marseille I have been playing left midfield. But in Marseille, it is more like rotation. You have a lot of freedom to move around the pitch,” he said.

“If you watch the game yesterday (on Friday), I was feeling like I was in Marseille, I was also moving around the pitch trying to find space for myself.”

The midfielder added that Nigeria’s 4-4-2 diamond system gives players scope to change positions and exploit openings rather than remain in fixed areas.

“Everyone knows we play 4-4-2 diamond. I think with the 4-4-2 diamond you should have rotation, trying to find spaces in the pitch is not a bad thing, which I did yesterday.”

Although pleased with his first appearance for the national team, Nnadi made clear that he had hoped to remain on the pitch for longer.

“I am not happy with the 45 minutes, I wish I could get more minutes but in the end we won,” he said.

The former Zulte Waregem player also said he was comfortable operating either as a number six or a box-to-box number eight, but not as a number 10.

“For me I don’t mind I just want to run. I can play number six and number eight but not number ten. I just need freedom without the ball and with the ball I know what I have to do.”

Nigeria will face Tanzania again on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, as they continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON in East Africa.

“We just have to win every game, one game at a time. On November 17, we would play another game with Tanzania, I hope we win. Then we wait for the next games. We are hoping to qualify but game-by-game we will see what happens,” Nnadi said.