Nigeria and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has returned to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the USA/Canada/Mexico 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Ndidi, who missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, was recalled by new Super Eagles Head Coach, Finidi George.
In a recent interview, Ndidi dismissed any notion of competition among the Super Eagles midfielders. Instead, he emphasized that they play complementary roles, ensuring no loopholes are created. “For a truth, there’s no competition amongst us the midfielders. Instead, we complement, making sure that in the absence of one, the team doesn’t suffer,” Ndidi remarked.
Reflecting on his absence at the AFCON 2023, Ndidi praised the team’s performance. “I wasn’t in the AFCON but I’m back to the team now. I’m happy with the team over the performance in Ivory Coast. Kudos to them,” he said.
Ndidi likened the national team to a military barracks, where soldiers may come and go, but the barracks remains. This analogy underscores the importance of each player’s contribution to the team, regardless of their individual presence or absence.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo and the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Abidjan, Ndidi’s return and his emphasis on unity and teamwork are timely. His experience and skills will undoubtedly be a significant boost for the team.
“I must commend the team for a good job at the AFCON in Ivory Coast. Now, we’re in the World Cup qualifiers and hopefully, we’ll get the job done, starting with this match against South Africa,” Ndidi concluded, expressing optimism for the upcoming matches.
With Ndidi’s return and the team’s unity, the Super Eagles are poised to make a strong showing in the World Cup qualifiers.
