Connect with us

Latest News

AFCON 2025: Wilfred Ndidi Rallies Super Eagles for Strong Campaign in Morocco

Published

on

AFCON 2025: Wilfred Ndidi Rallies Super Eagles for Strong Campaign in Morocco

Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has issued a rallying call to his teammates ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, urging unity and focus to ensure a successful outing.

Ndidi was officially named captain of the Super Eagles on Friday, ahead of Nigeria’s Group C opener against Tanzania on December 23 in Fez. The 29-year-old steps into the role vacated by William Troost-Ekong, who retired from international football following Nigeria’s World Cup qualification disappointment.

Speaking on his appointment, Ndidi described the responsibility as significant but expressed confidence in the collective strength of the squad.

“It is a huge role, but I think with the help of the players, everything will go smoothly,” the Besiktas midfielder said.

“I have had conversations with a couple of the older players to make them understand the reason why we are here.”

Ndidi, who has previously worn the armband at different times, emphasised the importance of unity between players and the technical crew as Nigeria targets continental glory.

“I also need the support of the staff because we are all in this together. We have had conversations about the task ahead, and it is very important that we are all on the same page.”

After their opening fixture against Tanzania, the Super Eagles will face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27, before rounding off their Group C campaign against Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, will be aiming to build on their runner-up finish at the last AFCON and challenge strongly for a fourth continental title under new captain Ndidi.

author avatar
Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.