The most impressive Nigerian defensive midfielder in recent years marks his 23rd birthday today. Wilfred Ndidi who currently plies his trade with Leicester in the English Premier League has been impeccable and indispensable during matches. His interpretation to read the game is extraordinary. The tenacious footballer has been labeled as the bully in the midfield.
He was nominated for the CAF player of the year earlier, but failed to make it to the final 10 man nomination list. His fellow Nigerian compatriot Odion Ighalo beat him to a spot.
Nevertheless, he has made more tackles and interceptions than any other footballer in Europe’s top five leagues. This year, he would be hoping to prevent being sent off on his birthday. Ndidi was given a red card after a dive in the penalty box in the Premier League on this day last year.
Many journalists and sports pundits have included him in the Super Eagles team of the decade, despite facing stiff competition from the likes of John Obi Mikel, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu and Mikel Agu.
He scored four goals in sixty one appearances for Genk. Since signing as a replacement for N’golo Kante in Leicester in 2017, he has scored six goals for the foxes.
At international level, thirty five appearances and a bronze medal in the AFCON 2019 are his contributions to the current Super Eagles team.
