Wilfred Ndidi has officially been appointed captain of the Super Eagles, taking over the leadership mantle after William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football.
The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed the appointment on Friday, December 19, via the team’s official 𝕏 account, signaling the start of a new chapter for the national team.
Ndidi, 28, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading Nigeria and emphasized the importance of team unity as the squad gears up for upcoming major tournaments.
“It’s a huge responsibility, but with the support of my teammates, everything will run smoothly,” Ndidi told Super Eagles media.
“I’ve spoken to several players to share my vision and ensure we’re all aligned. I also need their support, as well as that of the staff. We’re all in this together. It’s crucial that we move forward on the same page.”
The Leicester City legend-turned-Besiktas midfielder will now captain Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following in Troost-Ekong’s footsteps to guide the team into its next era. Ndidi had already worn the captain’s armband during last month’s 2026 World Cup playoff against DR Congo, where the Super Eagles, coached by Eric Chelle, narrowly lost 4-3 on penalties. Troost-Ekong started that match on the bench.
Ndidi’s rise to permanent captaincy comes shortly after Troost-Ekong’s announcement on December 4 that he would step away from the national team. With 71 caps to his name since debuting under Sunday Oliseh in 2015 against DR Congo, Ndidi is now Nigeria’s standout choice to lead on the international stage.
At club level, Ndidi recently ended an eight-year spell with Leicester City to join Turkish side Besiktas, where he was named vice-captain in October—a clear testament to his influence both on and off the pitch.
Assuming the captaincy represents a major milestone in Ndidi’s career as Nigeria aims to reclaim its place at the top of African football. The Super Eagles narrowly missed a fourth continental title in 2023, falling 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the AFCON final after holding a halftime lead.
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With Ndidi now at the helm, the Super Eagles hope to combine experience and unity to mount a serious challenge at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and beyond.
