Wilfred Ndidi has been named the new captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, with the Besiktas midfielder taking over the armband from William Troost-Ekong ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the decision on Friday, placing one of the country’s most experienced internationals in charge of the national team.
Ndidi, who has been capped 71 times by Nigeria, described the role as a major responsibility while speaking to NFF TV.
“It’s a huge responsibility,” he said.
“I’ve had conversations with a couple of players, including some of the older players, and I also need the support of all the staff. It’s important so we’re all on the same page.”
Photo Credit: NFF
He paid tribute to outgoing captain William Troost-Ekong, praising his leadership and influence within the squad.
“Ekong is a great leader. He speaks for the team, he stands for the team,” Ndidi said.
“I admire him a lot. He’s outspoken, that guy who stands up and speaks for the team. He’s an amazing guy and I learned a lot from him.
“We spoke a couple of weeks ago. He chipped in with some advice. He’s going to be missed.”
Wilfred Ndidi. Photo Credit: X
Ndidi also reflected on Nigeria’s recent disappointments, particularly the failure to qualify for the World Cup, and said the AFCON in Morocco offers a chance to respond.
“Missing out on the World Cup was a sad one,” he added.
“This is another opportunity to rewrite the wrongs, make Nigeria proud again and have fun.”
From youth football to national captain
Ndidi’s journey with Nigerian football began in the youth system, having come through the ranks at Nathaniel Boys of Lagos. He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the African U-17 Championship, where he was withdrawn from the tournament alongside two others as a precaution following an MRI age test.
He returned the following year with the U-20 team, where he established himself as a key midfield figure.
The defensive midfielder received his first senior call-up on 8 October 2015, making his debut in a friendly against DR Congo, before featuring again days later in a 3–0 win over Cameroon, replacing John Obi Mikel in the second half.
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Ndidi was later named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2016 Olympic Games and went on to be included in the preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Former Leicester city lynchpin Wilfred Ndidi celebrating with his teammates. Photo Credit: X
He featured at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, playing in Nigeria’s opening match against Burundi, and was again selected for the 2021 AFCON squad by caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen.
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In December 2023, Ndidi was named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, but an injury in early January 2024 ruled him out of the tournament, with Alhassan Yusuf called up as his replacement.
