Ndidi - TheNigerian

AFCON: What Super Eagles captain Ndidi said about ex-Chelsea midfielder Obi Mikel

TheNigerian — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:39:18 +0000

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that he used to look up to former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel as an inspiration while growing up as a young footballer.

Ndidi made the remark at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Group C tie against Uganda on Tuesday.
Recall that Obi Mikel proudly captained the Super Eagles during his illustrious football career.

“Every player wants to be in the national team, but even the younger players, we’re the ones they look up to because I was once there, looking up to great players like [John] Mikel Obi and the rest,” Ndidi said.
“My dream also was to be part of it and I’m honored to be here,” the Besiktas midfielder added.

Ndidi has one goal in the 2025 AFCON, having scored against Tunisia over the weekend.

The post AFCON: What Super Eagles captain Ndidi said about ex-Chelsea midfielder Obi Mikel appeared first on TheNigerian.

AFCON: My dad made me do it – Ndidi explains Nwankwo Kanu’s goal celebration

TheNigerian — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:23:23 +0000

Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles captain, has explained why he celebrated his goal against Tunisia in the same way Kanu Nwankwo did at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics against Brazil.

Ndidi scored Nigeria’s second goal of the match after Victor Osimhen had already given them the lead in the first half.
It was Ndidi’s first goal for the Super Eagles, a team he has been part of for more than ten years.

The defensive midfielder recreated the 1996 Olympic goal celebration, famously performed by Nigerian and Arsenal legend, Kanu Nwankwo.
“I just remember my dad; my dad always used to talk about Kanu and everything,” the former Leicester City star said.

“So I saw the video, and I said, ‘Oh, I’ll do that one for my dad.’”
With the win, Nigeria became the second team to reach the knockout stage of the tournament in North America, joining Egypt as the first two teams to qualify.
Egypt’s 1-0 victory against South Africa on Friday had made them the first team to advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Nigeria’s next game is against Uganda, who have played two games, losing one to Tunisia and drawing with Tanzania.

The post AFCON: My dad made me do it – Ndidi explains Nwankwo Kanu’s goal celebration appeared first on TheNigerian.

Omeruo, Ndidi Back Chelle To Deliver 2026 World Cup Ticket

TheNigerian — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:02:02 +0000

Kenneth Omeruo and Wilfred Ndidi have declared their support for the new head of the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle.

Chelle has been saddled with the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles through a difficult 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles are second from bottom in Group C with three points from four games.
Omeruo insisted qualifying for the Mundial is still a possibility despite the team’s poor start to the qualifiers.

“The new coach has something to give to the Super Eagles,” the Kasimpasa star said during a live session on his X handle, which he co-hosted with Ndidi.
“We saw a very organised Mali during our friendly match last year and at the AFCON.

“And now with the talent in Nigeria, we expect even more.” Ndidi also shared the centre-back’s optimism.

“With our quality and the new coach, we will qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the Leicester City star declared.

“It won’t be easy, but we’re all together in the task to qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda and Warriors of Zimbabwe when the qualifiers resume in March.

The post Omeruo, Ndidi Back Chelle To Deliver 2026 World Cup Ticket appeared first on TheNigerian.