Besiktas midfield general, Wilfred Ndidi, is the new captain of the Nigeria national team heading into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
The role became vacant following the recent retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong, who suddenly called time on his international career just weeks before the tournament.
After much speculation about who Troost-Ekong’s successor should be, the Super Eagles hierarchy opted to pass the responsibility onto one of their most experienced squad members in Ndidi.
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Speaking to Super Eagles media after the confirmation of his appointment, the former Leicester City midfielder wasted no time in emphasizing the importance of facing the challenge that lay ahead as a unit.
What Wilfred Ndidi said
“It’s a huge responsibility, with the help of the players everything will be smooth,” Ndidi said per quotes on Complete Sport.
“I have had conversations with a couple of the players, just to let them know the reason why we are here . I also need their support as well, including the staff, we are all in this together.
“We have conversation on the task ahead, and it is important for us to be together on the same page.”
The 28-year-old also reserved some words of praise for his predecessor Troost-Ekong, who famously led Nigeria’s charge to the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast.
“As a great leader, he stands for the team, he takes everything for the team, he speaks for the team. I admire him a lot , how outspoken he is.
“He is someone everyone in the team look up to. That guy that stands for the team. He is an amazing guy, I learnt a lot from him.
“We spoke a couple of days ago, he gave me some advice, I feel like he is still part of the team. He is going to be missed.”
Ndidi will lead the Super Eagles out as official team captain for the first time when they file out for their tournament opener against Tanzania in Fez on Tuesday, December 23.
