Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has backed compatriot Wilfred Ndidi to spearhead Besiktas’s push to dethrone Victor Osimhen and reigning champions Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig next season, Footynaija.com reports.
Osimhen once again proved decisive for Galatasaray as the Istanbul giants clinched a fourth consecutive Super Lig crown. Despite missing matches due to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and injury setbacks, the Super Eagles striker still delivered an impressive return of 15 goals and five assists during the campaign.
Ndidi, meanwhile, enjoyed a strong debut season with Besiktas and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential performers. The combative midfielder started 23 of his 25 league appearances as the Black Eagles finished fourth behind Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor after recording 17 wins, nine draws and eight defeats.
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With Besiktas aiming to close the gap on their fierce rivals next season, Shorunmu believes Ndidi possesses both the quality and experience to inspire a genuine title challenge.
“He’s an important player for the club, and I believe with him they can challenge for the title,” the former Super Eagles shot-stopper told Footy Africa.
“They’ve been there before. That thing is not a thing of every year that you need to win the title. That means the league is not that good because there’s a lot of challenges, a lot of competition which is good for the league and which is good for their country.
“They have a better team to represent them on the continent. That’s it. Probably by next season, Besiktas will do something better than this season to get them there for next season.”
Despite Shorunmu’s backing, there have been talks of a potential exit for Ndidi this summer with numerous reports suggesting a return to England where he spent nine years on the books of Leicester City.
While there have also been reports that Besiktas may be willing to cash in on the Nigeria international if the right offer arrives, many Black Eagles fans will be hoping their club can retain his services and kick on to achieve great things next season.
