Tag: Wilfred Ndidi

• NSC,NFF condole Super Eagles’ captain

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi has announced the heartbreaking death of his father, Sunday Ndidi who tragically passed away after being hit by a car in the town of Umunede, near Agbor, Delta State.  

The midfielder’s club, Besiktas announced his death through a message on their X account sending shockwaves through the Nigerian football community.

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi, the beloved father of our player Wilfred Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the  club said in statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased and extend our sympathies to our player Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

The midfielder equally shared  the devastating news in an emotional tribute on  Instagram , expressing deep pain, disbelief, and sorrow over the loss of a man he described as a pillar in his life and career. 

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In a heartfelt message, Ndidi reflected on their bond, unfinished conversations, and cherished memories, recalling how he once dedicated his first national team goal celebration to his late father.

He wrote:  “You call me this morning with excitement in your voice but deep down na goodbye you dey tell me… What about things we talked about, so we no go talk again, na only memories? Even when I score my first-ever national team goal, I do that Papilo dance for you, but you just go like that.”

The tribute has since drawn an outpouring of condolences from teammates, fans, and football stakeholders  including the chieftains of the National Sports Commission (NSC)  and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),   offering prayers and support during this difficult time. 

Reacting to the death of  the deceased, the  Director General of the NSC,  Hon. Bukola Olopade urged the entire sports family to put the  Ndidi family in their prayers in this difficult time.

” On behalf of the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Nigerian Sports family, I want to express our heartfelt  condolences to Wilfred Ndidi and his family for the unfortunate loss,” he said in a statement.“ I know for a fact how close Wilfred Ndidi is to his father and the role the man has played in the success story of his son.”
“Wilfred Ndidi has been a patriotic servant for our great country over the years, playing for the Super eagles and also representing Nigeria in good light playing club football in Europe. All these are a product of the kind of upbringing he was given by his parents.”

In the same vein, the Nigeria Football Federation has expressed shock and sadness over the death of the captain of the senior men national football team.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “This is very sad. The player just gave his very best to the nation at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco where we finished with the bronze medals. He had returned to Turkey with great motivation and high hopes of helping his club to win silverware this season, and also help the Super Eagles reach new heights this year.

 “We are really shocked at the moment and cannot say much, but we earnestly pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Sunday Ndidi and pray that the Almighty God will comfort our team captain, his siblings, relations and indeed all those he has left behind.”

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has rallied support for Eric Chelle to continue as the team’s coach despite not meeting the target of guiding them to the final of the 2025 AFCON.

The NFF set a target for Eric Chelle to lead the Super Eagles to the final of the 2025 AFCON.

However, the team fell on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the competition.

Ndidi has now come out to support that the former Mali coach continues to lead the Super Eagles.

“I want us to keep the coach,” the Besiktas midfielder said at a pre-match briefing in Casablanca, Morocco, today.

“We should be focused on continuity at this point.”

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Ndidi said Eric Chelle has demanded much from the team.

“He is so demanding. I’ve never seen a coach as demanding…Not just on the field but off it, even down to how we eat,” he remarked.

“He’s a nice guy and connects with his players, but when it’s time for the job, he doesn’t joke.”

Eric Chelle signed a two-year contract in January 2025 that pays him $50,000 a month along with his selected assistants.

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has described the mood in the Nigerian camp as positive and focused ahead of the showdown with Uganda today in Fez.

The Besiktas  midfielder revealed that confidence is high within the squad, with players fully locked in on the immediate task rather than distractions beyond the next match.

Ndidi noted that the atmosphere in the team has been boosted by unity and belief, elements he believes are crucial at this stage of the competition.

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 “The focus is on the next game,” he said, insisting that preparation and concentration remain the Eagles’ top priorities as they seek a strong performance.

Reflecting on his recent goal for Nigeria — his first in many years with the national team — Ndidi expressed deep gratitude and emotion. He thanked God for the moment and explained that his celebration was a tribute to his late father, whose influence played a major role in his football journey.

The Super Eagles skipper revealed that memories of his childhood, particularly his father’s admiration for Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu, inspired the celebration. While fans may already be anticipating another trademark gesture, Ndidi smiled off such talk, saying future celebrations can only come after he scores again. For now, his focus, like the rest of the team, remains firmly on delivering on the pitch.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi has praised Super Eagles’ resilience following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match  at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while acknowledging there is still room for improvement.

Speaking after the match, Ndidi stressed the importance of starting the tournament on a winning note.

“The first game is always about momentum,” Ndidi said. “It was really good that we got the three points, which is the most important thing.”

The Besiktas midfielder admitted the team struggled with fatigue in the second half but praised the squad’s reaction and composure under pressure.

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“There’s always space for improvement. The first half was good, the pace was good. In the second half we were a bit tired, but we reacted very well,” he added.

Despite Nigeria conceding again, Ndidi downplayed concerns over defensive issues, expressing confidence in the players and coaching crew to address shortcomings as the tournament progresses.

Similarly, defender Semi Ajayi has admitted that  the Super Eagles still have areas to improve despite their winning start  against Tanzania.

Ajayi  who was named Man of the Match, emphasized the need for improvement as the tournament progresses.

“There are a few things we would iron out and improve, but there are also a lot of positives to take,” he said. “We need to do better at seeing out games and killing teams off.”

The defender also stressed the importance of goals coming from all areas of the pitch, noting that success cannot rely solely on attackers.

Nigeria now turn attention to a crucial Group C encounter against Tunisia, while Tanzania prepare to face Uganda in their next match.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, has declared  the Super Eagles  focused and mentally ready to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign this evening in Fes against the Tanzania’s Taifa Stars

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the newly appointed skipper expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stressing the importance of a strong start to the tournament.

 “The spirit in the camp is very high, we’re very energised. This game is very important for us, it’s the game that sets the momentum. The guys are ready, everyone is ready; from the players to the staff, everyone is focused on this game,” Ndidi said.

Nigeria head into the encounter with an impressive AFCON group-stage record, having lost just once in their last 14 group matches, recording 10 wins and three draws. The Super Eagles have also remained unbeaten in their opening games in the last three AFCON editions.

Ndidi, who took over the captaincy following William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement, attributing his calm disposition  to the support within the squad and guidance from the coaching crew.

 “To be honest, there’s no pressure. We’ve got senior players in the team helping out, with the help of the coach and staff. I’ve been here learning from the former captain Troost-Ekong, so there’s no pressure at all,” he added.

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Reflecting on Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, the Besiktas midfielder said the team has drawn valuable lessons and is determined to go one step further this time.

“There are lots of lessons learnt from the previous AFCON. We set the standard getting to the final, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the trophy. We cannot go below that. The standards are already high, so the team is ready. This is an opportunity for us.”

Meanwhile,  Super Eagles forward,  Akor Adams is brimming with confidence ahead of  his maiden AFCON appearance, adding the tournament offers a redemption following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

“I am disappointed as every Nigerian and as every player in the team. But as in football and also in life you have to look forward, and we have another opportunity to redeem ourselves now,” Adams said.

The in-form striker, who earned his AFCON call-up after an impressive run in Europe, expressed gratitude for the chance to represent Nigeria on the continental stage.

 “Not just for the AFCON, but being part of the Super Eagles for me it’s a blessing. I am grateful to God for it, I do not take it for granted. I try to give my best and I’m happy to be here.”

Adams believes preparation, not experience or conditions, will determine success in Morocco.

 “There are no advantages compared to how much you prepare. It doesn’t matter the weather or being here a thousand times; if you prepare well, you will play well—and that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Nigeria will face Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès by 6:30 pm this evening , December 23, while the other Group C clash between Tunisia and Uganda will take place later in Rabat.

Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been confirmed as the new captain of the Super Eagles.  Speaking on his new role the Besiktas player said it is a major responsibility that he is ready to shoulder with the full support of his teammates and officials.

Ndidi emphasised that leadership in the national team must be collective, built on a shared understanding and unity of purpose, rather than individual authority.

“It’s a huge responsibility, and with the help of the players, I think everything will go smoothly,” Ndidi said in an interview with the Super Eagles media department.

The 29-year-old revealed that he has already begun consultations within the squad, particularly with senior players, to ensure everyone is aligned with the team’s objectives as Nigeria target a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.

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“I’ve had a conversation with a couple of players, just some of the older players. You know, just try to make them understand the reason why we’re here, you know. Also need the support also from the staff. We’re all in this together,” he said.

Ndidi emphasised the importance of clarity and unity within the group, noting that leadership conversations have focused on keeping the squad focused and committed.

“The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the last World Cup remains a painful memory for players and fans alike, and Ndidi acknowledged the disappointment while looking ahead.

“Yeah, it was a sad one. Missing out on the World Cup. And this is another opportunity, you know, they say another day, another opportunity,” he said.

The new captain believes the team has a chance to restore pride and reconnect with Nigerians through renewed commitment and collective effort.

Former Celtic and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah as head coach, seven weeks after resigning his job at the struggling Scottish outfit.

Rodgers, 52, left Celtic in acrimonious circumstances in late October after criticising the Hoops board and hitting out at their transfer market signings, leading the club’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond to describe him as “divisive, misleading and self-serving”.

Al Qadsiah, owned by Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco, are currently fifth in the Saudi league and sacked head coach Michel Gonzalez on Sunday.

Northern Irishman Rodgers   who had previously trained Super eagles duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho at Leicester City, was recruited by the former CEO of Celtic’s arch-rivals Rangers, James Bisgrove, who now holds the same role at Al Qadsiah.

Bisgrove described Rodgers’ arrival as a “landmark moment for the club”.

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Rodgers will be in place for the January transfer window when the club is expected to seek to strengthen their squad.

Italy international Mateo Retegui and former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez are currently the biggest names in their ranks.

Rodgers led Liverpool to a runner-up finish in the Premier League in the 2013-2014 season and won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021.

In two spells at Celtic he won the league four times, the Scottish Cup on three occasions and the League Cup four times.

Former manager Martin O’Neill steadied the ship at Celtic on an interim basis following the departure of Rodgers, but new French coach Wilfried Nancy has lost his first three matches.

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi believes  with combined determination of his teammates, the Super Eagles will overcome the hurdle in Morocco in their quest to secure a spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

Speaking ahead of  this  week’s CAF FIFA World Cup Playoffs in Rabat, Ndidi, recently appointed vice-captain of Turkish giants Beşiktaş, said matter-of-factly:   “The strength of the team lies in our pace and power in transition, creativity in wide areas and a solid spine.

“We also have depth—players who can come in and change the game. When we’re connected and intense, we’re dangerous, ” he noted.

While optimistic, Ndidi remains grounded in the realities of knockout football.  “With unity and discipline, we believe we can do it.”

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The Super Eagles vice-captain emphasized that no opponent will be taken lightly.

 “We respect every opponent. Playoffs come down to fine margins, not reputation. Our focus is on preparation—sharp training, good recovery, and executing the game plan. If we do that, our quality will shine through.”

He added: “As a team, we want to qualify while staying respectful of the task. We’ll prepare well, give everything, and maintain our humility.”

Reflecting on the team’s journey to the playoffs, Ndidi noted the valuable lessons learned.

“We’ve learned to respect the details—game management, set pieces, recovery, and discipline without the ball. Trusting the process, sticking to simple, clear roles and keeping the team spirit high are key.”

He also acknowledged the challenges that come with high-stakes matches.

“We must manage pressure, handle away environments, and stay focused for the full 90 minutes. Fatigue is a factor with travel and tight schedules, so recovery and squad rotation are crucial.”

To the Super Eagles’ global fanbase, Ndidi offered reassurance and a promise of commitment.

 “Expect commitment, organization, and intensity. We want to be difficult to play against, control key moments, and show courage when it matters most. The promise we can make is effort and togetherness.”

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is on the verge of completing a transfer from Leicester City to Turkish side Besiktas with a medical and imminent announcement billed for today.

It was gathered  that Besiktas are pushing to finalize the signing ahead of their Europa Conference League qualifier against St Patrick’s Athletic.

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Leicester City are set to receive €9.5 million following a mutual agreement between the 28-year-old defensive midfielder and the club. Contracts are currently under review, with Ndidi’s medical scheduled for today.

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is on the verge of completing a move to Turkish giants Besiktas after Leicester City accepted a €9.5 million bid for the 28-year-old.

According to reports, Ndidi has approved the transfer, with a three-year contract—plus an option for a fourth—already sent to him.

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Besiktas are set to fly the Nigerian to Istanbul in a private jet for medicals, marking the final stage of a deal that ends Ndidi’s seven-year spell at Leicester, where he made over 300 appearances.

Despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United, Juventus, and several Saudi clubs, Besiktas now lead the race and are banking on his experience to bolster their push for the Turkish Super Lig title.