AFCON 2025: Ndidi honours Super Eagles legend Kanu with celebration against Tunisia

Nigeria’s march at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gathered pace in memorable fashion as Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi paid tribute to national icon Nwankwo Kanu during a dramatic Group C victory over Tunisia in Morocco.

Ndidi sparked waves of nostalgia among Nigerian fans when he recreated Kanu’s iconic Atlanta 1996 Olympic celebration after finding the net against Tunisia.

Recently appointed Super Eagles captain following the departures of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa, the Besiktas midfielder rose highest to meet Ademola Lookman’s corner, powering a commanding header past the Tunisian goalkeeper at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

After scoring, Ndidi sprinted toward the corner flag with arms stretched wide in Kanu’s famous pose before switching into his own trademark eagle-inspired celebration as teammates swarmed around him.

The moment quickly went viral, with fans across the world celebrating a gesture that linked the current generation of Super Eagles stars to one of Nigeria’s most cherished football memories.

Earlier in the contest, Victor Osimhen had put Nigeria ahead in the 44th minute, capping a dominant first-half display. Ndidi’s header early in the second half doubled the advantage, before Lookman struck again to make it 3–0 and seemingly put the contest beyond doubt.

Tunisia, however, refused to surrender and mounted a spirited comeback, scoring twice to reduce the deficit to 3–2 and set up a tense closing period. Nigeria showed resilience under pressure, holding firm to secure all three points and confirm their place in the AFCON 2025 knockout stages.

The victory keeps Nigeria’s dream of a fourth continental title alive, with the Super Eagles set to face Uganda in their final Group C fixture with qualification already assured.