Wilfred Ndidi, stepping up as interim captain in place of William Troost-Ekong, has provided insights following Nigeria’s 2-1 triumph over Ghana in the Unity Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
The Leicester City midfielder lauded the contributions of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players and stressed the need for consistency as the Super Eagles gear up to face Jamaica in Saturday’s final.
The “Jollof Derby” was a fiery one but Nigeria had the better of it early on. The Eagles looked sharp, confident, and were two goals up before the break. But that momentum didn’t last. The second half saw Ghana claw their way back into the contest, and Nigeria’s started losing control of the game.
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Reflecting on the performance, Ndidi didn’t hide his frustration. “We need to stick together more just like the first half,” he told journalists in London, as reported by Nation Newspaper. “If we had done like the first half, we wouldn’t have been under pressure in the second half and maybe we could have scored a few more goals.”
Nigeria’s second-half dip was noticeable; a team that looked organised and electric early on struggled to find rhythm after the restart. Still, there was a lot to build on. And for a squad under pressure after a disappointing World Cup qualifying run, a win, especially against the Black Stars, is a much-needed lift.
“It should win back some confidence,” Ndidi said. “It is a positive thing that we are winning games. If we stay positive like the way we did in the first half, I think we can still have a chance.”
Also, beyond the tactics, Ndidi has said that the Super Eagles shirt isn’t reserved for foreign-based players. “I feel Super Eagles is for Nigerians who can distinguish themselves as footballers,” he said. “It is not meant for foreign-based players. The home-based players did well.”
That praise comes after several NPFL stars were given rare chances to shine. Sodiq Ismail, for instance, featured, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed. For years, there have been calls for more home-based inclusion in Nigerian football circles, and Ndidi’s endorsement adds serious weight.
Up next is Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz edged Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the other semi-final and pose a tricky test in the Unity Cup finale.
Another win could do more than just lift a trophy, it could signal that this group, with NPFL names and renewed hunger, is ready to rewrite the script ahead of the business end of World Cup qualification.
