N’Golo Kanté: Super Eagles midfielder cites ex-Chelsea star as role model

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Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has revealed that former Chelsea FC and France star N’Golo Kanté is the player he admires most in football, Afrik Foot reports.

The 22-year-old made the revelation during a recent media interaction revealed by Marseille supporters online, where the Nigerian international was asked about his favourite player.

Nnadi responded in French: “Mon joueur préféré ? C’est N’Golo Kanté,” which translates to “My favourite player? It’s N’Golo Kanté.”

N’Golo kanté inspiration behind nnadi’s playing style

Nnadi’s choice of role model has sparked conversation among fans of Olympique Marseille, many of whom see similarities between the two midfielders.

Tochukwu Nnadi
Tochukwu Nnadi. Copyright: xLAHALLExPIERREx

Kanté built his reputation through relentless work rate, and defensive discipline which has also defined Nnadi’s game since emerging as a promising midfielder.

The Nigerian joined Marseille from Zulte Waregem in February in a deal reported to be worth around €6 million, making him one of the club’s notable winter signings.

Tochukwu Nnadi joins Marseille
Tochukwu Nnadi joins Marseille (Photo by Marseille X)

The Super Eagles midfielder’s early days at marseille

Nnadi recently made his Marseille debut in a dramatic Ligue 1 clash against Olympique Lyon, coming on late in the game as Marseille secured a 3–2 victory.

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi to Olympique Marseille
Tochukwu Nnadi. Photo Credit: Marseille/X

Although his minutes have been limited since arriving in France, the Nigerian midfielder is gradually being integrated into the squad following a period of adaptation and competition for places in midfield.

With Marseille looking to stabilise their performances after a turbulent spell, Nnadi’s development could become increasingly important. And if his admiration for Kanté is anything to go by, the Super Eagles midfielder hopes to follow a similar path.

<!-- Author Start -->Ayomide Oguntimehin<!-- Author End -->

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.