The Nigeria Football Federation has officially named Wilfred Ndidi as the new captain of the Super Eagles, following the retirement of long-serving skipper William Troost-Ekong from international football.
Ndidi, 28, takes over the leadership role after Ekong announced his decision to step away from the national team on December 4, bringing an end to an era defined by resilience and experience. The midfield anchor has now been entrusted with guiding the Super Eagles into their next chapter.
In a statement released by the NFF, Ndidi was confirmed as the team’s captain, with Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Osimhen named as his assistants. The federation described the leadership group as a balanced mix of experience, consistency, and influence within the squad.
Currently plying his trade with Turkish club Besiktas, Ndidi is expected to lead Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will kick off in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as expectations remain high for the Super Eagles following recent strong performances on the continental stage.
The former Leicester City midfielder has already begun engaging with his teammates, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility as key elements of his leadership approach. Speaking to the Super Eagles media, Ndidi acknowledged the weight of the role and the importance of collective support.
“It’s a huge responsibility, with the help of the players everything will be smooth,” Ndidi told the Super Eagles media.
He revealed that he has held early conversations with members of the squad to set the tone for what lies ahead.
“I have had conversation with a couple of the players. Just to let them know the reason why we are. I also need their support as well. The staff as well, we are all in this together.
“We have conversation on the task ahead, and it is important for us to be together on the same page.”
Ndidi’s leadership style is expected to mirror his presence on the pitch calm, disciplined, and focused on teamwork. Known for his work rate and tactical awareness, he has been a key figure in the national team setup for several years and is widely respected within the dressing room.
As the Super Eagles prepare for AFCON 2025, all eyes will be on Ndidi to see how he navigates the pressures of captaincy and rallies the team toward success on Africa’s biggest football stage.
