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As the Super Eagles prepare for AFCON 2025, one name remains central to their hopes: Wilfred Ndidi. The 28-year-old midfielder has long been Nigeria’s shield in the middle of the park, and this year he arrives with renewed confidence after a strong club campaign split between Leicester City and Besiktas.
Ahead of the biennial tournament, Ndidi told journalists: “It’s a privilege to represent Nigeria. It is an honour. Once you are called up, it’s a goosebumps kind of feeling. And the games when the national team is going on, it’s one thing where your family back home are really, really proud.”
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Club Appearances: 28 combined (Leicester & Besiktas)
Goals: 1 (Besiktas)
Assists: 4 (Leicester)
Nigeria Caps: 71 and counting
Minutes Played: Over 2,300 across competitions
Ndidi is a specialist in breaking up play. His anticipation and timing in tackles make him one of Africa’s finest defensive midfielders. He thrives in shielding the backline, cutting passing lanes, and ensuring Nigeria’s attackers can flourish without worrying about transitions.
Though, traditionally a destroyer, Ndidi has added more creativity to his game. His improved passing range and four assists this season show he is evolving into a more rounded midfielder. While goals remain rare, he has shown flashes of arriving late in the box to contribute.
What He Brings
- Defensive Steel: Among Europe’s most consistent ball-winners, excelling in tackles and interceptions.
- Work Rate: His stamina and coverage allow Nigeria to play with attacking freedom, knowing he’s patrolling behind.
- Improved Creativity: This season’s assists highlight his growth in distribution and vision.
- Experience: Years in the Premier League have sharpened his tactical awareness, making him a leader in midfield.
Areas to Improve
- Goal Threat: Just one goal this season – he could add more attacking edge.
- Progressive Passing: Needs to break lines more often with incisive forward balls.
- Discipline: Occasional yellow cards show room for refining timing in challenges.
Ndidi’s calmness under pressure and professionalism make him a respected figure. His captaincy role at AFCON 2025 highlights his maturity and influence. He embodies humility, discipline, and a relentless drive to improve.
“Leading the team is a huge responsibility. I want to give everything for Nigeria and help us achieve success.”
With over 70 caps, Ndidi is already one of Nigeria’s most experienced midfielders of his generation. If he continues to evolve offensively while maintaining his defensive excellence, he could cement his place among Africa’s greatest holding midfielders – alongside names like Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, and Yaya Toure.
Ndidi’s role will be pivotal. Nigeria’s attacking stars thrive when the midfield anchor does his job, and Ndidi is exactly that – a stabilizer, a shield, and increasingly, a playmaker. With captaincy responsibilities and a hunger to achieve more, he enters AFCON 2025 as a player and leader determined to push Nigeria closer to continental glory.
