By: Dica Stories
In the bustling community of Ihiagwa, Owerri West, Imo State, a young boy once chased footballs across dusty pitches with nothing but raw ambition and bare feet. That boy, Tochukwu “Obere” Nnadi, born on 30 June 2003, has now become one of Nigeria’s brightest midfield prospects, a story that resonates far beyond the boundaries of his hometown.
At Campos FC in Owerri, Nnadi’s talent was undeniable, he was nurtured and groomed for future glory. And in 2019, at just 16, he and his advisors made a decision that would change his life, leaving Nigeria for Dubai to join the Madenat Alamal Football Academy. It was a leap of faith, one that meant leaving behind family, friends, and the comfort of home.
Speaking to Amadi Chijioke Divine (DJ Dica Divine), media director of Campos FC, on his return to Owerri after the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, Nnadi reflected on that moment.
“It wasn’t easy leaving Nigeria, my comfort zone, at such a young age. But I knew if I wanted to grow, I had to take that risk.”
That risk paid off. His performances in Dubai earned him a trial with Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, where he signed a four-year deal in August 2021. By April 2022, he was making his debut against Ludogorets in the Bulgarian First League a milestone that proved dreams can indeed cross borders.
Obere’s first season in Bulgaria was a baptism of fire. He featured in 29 matches across competitions, quickly earning a reputation for his tireless work ethic and maturity. His relentless energy and tactical discipline caught the eye of scouts, and in January 2024, he secured a move to Belgian side Zulte Waregem.
In Belgium, he has already made 15 appearances this season, continuing to grow into a midfielder who blends grit with intelligence, a player who thrives on responsibility and hard work.
On the international stage, his breakthrough came at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. He played every match, helping the Flying Eagles stun Italy and hosts Argentina. His performances weren’t just about skill, they were about resilience, composure, and the ability to rise when the odds were highest.
That resilience has now earned him a coveted call up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria, drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, will need fresh legs and fearless hearts. For Nnadi, this is more than football — it’s about carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerians who see themselves in his journey.
Behind the stats and appearances is a young man who left home as a teenager, faced the loneliness of living abroad, and fought through the challenges of proving himself in foreign leagues. His rise is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough, it takes courage, sacrifice and belief.
As Nigeria prepares for AFCON, Nnadi isn’t just another name on the squad list, he is a symbol of hope, an inspiration to every young Nigerian who dreams of turning dusty pitches into continental glory, a testament to how far determination can carry a boy from Owerri to the world.
