Ndidi tries to convince Beşiktaş teammate Uduokhai to choose Nigeria over Germany

Nigeria vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi has playfully urged his Beşiktaş teammate, German-born defender Felix Uduokhai, to switch international allegiance and represent Nigeria instead of Germany.

Uduokhai, 28, is eligible for both nations and would be a major boost for the Super Eagles’ defensive line, with senior centre-backs William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi approaching the twilight of their international careers.

In a light-hearted Snapchat clip now circulating among Nigerian football fans, Ndidi jokingly appealed to the towering 1.93m defender to join the Super Eagles.

“Come and play for Nigeria. Centre-back, we want centre-back,” Ndidi said.

Uduokhai responded in Pidgin English, asking, “How much?” — prompting Ndidi to burst into laughter.

“What do you mean, how much? If you want money, just don’t bother — just stay,” the midfielder replied, still laughing.

Uduokhai, who played for Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has represented them at youth level, has previously stated he is open to playing for Nigeria “if the right opportunity arises.”

He received a senior Germany call-up in 2020 but never made an appearance, keeping him eligible for the Super Eagles.

However, even with Ndidi’s charm offensive, the defender will not be part of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco this month. Head coach Eric Chelle has already named a 54-man provisional squad, and Uduokhai was not included.

With Nigeria also missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there is currently no urgent competitive window for the defender to make the switch.

Both Ndidi and Uduokhai joined Beşiktaş this year — Ndidi after leaving Leicester City, and Uduokhai following an initial loan spell. The pair have quickly built a strong rapport in the dressing room, reflected in viral moments such as Ndidi calming Uduokhai to prevent a possible red card in a recent match.

Ndidi, who missed the 2023 AFCON through injury, returns to the continental stage this December hoping to lead Nigeria to a fourth title.

Uduokhai’s own journey has been equally impressive. Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, he rose through 1860 Munich before spells at Wolfsburg, Augsburg and now Beşiktaş. He remains respected in German football circles, notably scoring the winning goal against Saudi Arabia at the Tokyo Olympics.

For now, Ndidi’s recruitment pitch may have been delivered in jest — but the Super Eagles would welcome a defender of Uduokhai’s calibre if the invitation ever becomes serious.