Olympique de Marseille have announced the signing of Nigerian international Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem, sealing a move that underscores the French club’s growing interest in Africa’s next generation of elite midfielders.
At just 22, Nnadi is already carving out a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents, a journey that began far from Europe’s grand arenas. Born on 30 June 2003 in Ihiagwa, Imo State, the midfielder took his first footballing steps at Campos FC before refining his game at the Madenat Alamal Football Academy in Dubai, an unconventional but decisive move that opened the pathway to European football.
His breakthrough came in August 2021 when, following a successful trial, he signed his first professional contract with Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv. Nnadi made his league debut on 3 April 2022 against serial champions Ludogorets, a baptism of fire that marked the start of his steady rise. At Botev, he began to establish himself as a dependable midfield presence, blending composure on the ball with defensive discipline beyond his years.
Nnadi’s profile rose significantly on the global stage at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ever-present in Nigeria’s starting lineup, he played a central role as the Flying Eagles recorded statement victories against Italy and Argentina, performances that showcased his tactical intelligence, stamina and maturity at the highest level of junior football.
In January 2024, he took another major step in his development by joining SV Zulte Waregem in Belgium. The move exposed him to the physical and tactical demands of Belgian football, where his consistency quickly stood out. Week after week, Nnadi emerged as one of Zulte Waregem’s most influential midfielders, drawing attention from clubs across Europe.
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His rise did not go unnoticed at international level. Following his exploits with the U-20s, Nnadi earned a call-up to Nigeria’s senior national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. There, he made his Super Eagles debut, a milestone that symbolised his transition from promising prospect to full international.
Now at Olympique de Marseille, Nnadi represents a strategic investment in youth, energy and versatility. For Nigeria, he embodies a new generation of midfielders, technically gifted, tactically aware and battle-tested across multiple football cultures.
Though his career is still in its early chapters, Tochukwu Nnadi’s journey from Ihiagwa to the Stade Vélodrome signals more than a transfer. It is a statement of intent, both from a player determined to climb football’s highest peaks and from a nation continuing to export elite talent to Europe’s biggest stages.
