Nigeria’s captain Ndidi targets AFCON glory after W’Cup miss

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi says the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations presents Nigeria with another chance to correct their wrongs and restore pride after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Saturday PUNCH reports.

The Besiktas midfielder was officially confirmed as Nigeria’s new captain on Friday following the retirement of William Troost-Ekong earlier this month, and will lead the three-time champions in their quest for a fourth continental title in Morocco.

“It was a sad one missing out on the World Cup, but this is another opportunity. Another day, another opportunity to correct the wrongs, put smiles on faces of Nigerians, and make the country proud once again,” Ndidi said in his first interview as captain.

“It’s not going to be an easy task, but we’re really up for it.”

The 29-year-old, who previously served as vice-captain and wore the armband in Troost-Ekong’s absence, acknowledged the weight of his new responsibility.

“It’s a huge responsibility, and with the help of the players, I think everything will go smoothly,” he said.

“I’ve had conversations with a couple of players, just some of the older players, to try to make them understand the reason why we’re here. We also need support from the staff. We’re all in this together.”

Ndidi paid tribute to his predecessor, praising Troost-Ekong’s leadership qualities, saying, “He is a great leader, he speaks for the team, he stands for the team. I admire him a lot. How outspoken he is.

“He is one person everyone looks up to. He is an amazing guy. I have learnt a lot from him. We spoke a couple of weeks ago, he still chipped in some advice. I feel he is still part of the team. He is going to be missed.”

The Super Eagles arrived in Fez, Morocco, on Thursday to begin final preparations for the tournament. Nigeria will open their Group C campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, before facing Tunisia on December 27 and wrapping up against Uganda on December 31.

Ndidi, who captained Leicester City before joining Besiktas and currently serves as vice-captain at the Turkish club, exuded confidence upon the team’s arrival.

“We just arrived in Morocco. The Super Eagles just arrived in Morocco, and we’re ready. We can’t really wait for the game to start,” he said.

“Enjoy, have fun, enjoy the game because we’re here to have fun too.”

Nigeria won their last AFCON title in 2013 and finished as runners-up at the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.