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Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has revealed the motivation behind his tribute to Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu, which he performed after netting Nigeria’s second goal against Tunisia in the 2025 AFCON match on Saturday night.
Ndidi’s celebration echoed Kanu’s memorable dance from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, during which Nigeria celebrated its remarkable comeback against Brazil in the semifinals.
In his post-match interview following the Super Eagles’ 3–2 victory over Tunisia, Ndidi shared, “I was reminded of my father, who always speaks highly of Kanu.”
“I watched the video and thought, ‘I will do that for him.’ Scoring my first goal in over a decade was truly special, and securing the win is even more significant,” the Besiktas midfielder stated.
Ndidi now aims to guide Eric Chelle’s team to another win when they face Uganda next on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Wilfred Ndidi's tribute to Nwankwo Kanu?
Ndidi was inspired by his father, who frequently praises Kanu, and he wanted to honor him by replicating Kanu's iconic dance from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
How did Ndidi perform his celebration?
He mirrored Kanu's famous dance after scoring his goal, which was a significant moment for him as it marked his first goal in over ten years.
What are Ndidi's hopes for the upcoming match against Uganda?
Ndidi hopes to lead his team to another victory against Uganda in their next match, scheduled for Tuesday.



