Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi etched his name into Nigerian football folklore on Saturday night, marking a monumental personal milestone with a celebration that echoed through the ages. The midfielder scored his first-ever goal for Nigeria during the team's crucial 3-2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
A Hard-Fought Victory Seals Qualification
The match, played on Saturday, December 27, 2025, saw the three-time African champions secure their place in the tournament's Round of 16 with one group game to spare. Nigeria was made to work tirelessly for the win against a resilient Tunisian side in their second Group C fixture.
The scoring was opened by star striker Victor Osimhen in the 44th minute, who powered home a header from a cross delivered by Ademola Lookman. Lookman then turned provider again, setting up captain Ndidi for a composed finish that finally broke his international scoring duck. The former Fulham winger later added a third goal himself, giving Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead.
However, the Carthage Eagles mounted a late fightback, with defender Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi from the penalty spot scoring twice in the final 15 minutes. The tense finish did not spoil the Nigerian celebration, which was already in full swing thanks to Ndidi's historic moment.
A Celebration For the History Books
The most memorable image of the night was not just the goal, but how Ndidi chose to celebrate it. Beaming with joy, the Besiktas midfielder immediately recreated one of the most iconic celebrations in Nigerian sports history: Kanu Nwankwo's jubilant dance from the 1996 Olympic Games.
This specific celebration was first performed by the legendary Papilo after he scored the golden goal against Brazil in the semifinals of the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. That victory propelled the Dream Team to the final, where they defeated Argentina to claim the historic gold medal for Nigeria.
By invoking this moment, Ndidi connected his personal achievement to a collective national memory, a gesture that resonated powerfully with fans across the country and the diaspora.
From Criticism to Acclaim
The goal and celebration marked a significant redemption arc for the Super Eagles captain. Just nine months prior, Ndidi faced intense criticism from Nigerian supporters after a crucial miss in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, his comments before the AFCON tournament—suggesting the team was in Morocco to "enjoy themselves"—had also drawn some scrutiny. His performance and poignant celebration against Tunisia have swiftly turned that narrative around, with fans now hailing him as a hero.
Social media erupted with reactions to the tribute. One fan, @CFC_Xian, noted, "He moved like this legend. Nwankwo Kanu aka Papilo." Another, @drsammy96, identified the dance as "Ekpo in Arochukwu Abia State Nigeria." The celebration was widely appreciated, with user @OgaKizito adding, "I’ve watched this an unhealthy number of times... it’s beautiful every time."
The victory solidifies Nigeria's position in the tournament and provides a massive confidence boost as they prepare for the knockout stages. Ndidi's leadership, both in scoring his maiden goal and in choosing a celebration that honors the nation's past, has undoubtedly strengthened the bond between the current squad and its passionate supporters.
