Leicester City and Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi, has spoken on the fooball culture in Nigeria, highlighting the sport is a catalyst for several things beyond the pitch, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old versatile midfielder started his career with Ekosodin Stars in Lagos. He played for a host of local clubs in Nigeria before heading abroad in January 2015, signing for Belgian side, KRC Genk for a fee of €180,000.
Since then, Ndidi has metamorphosed into a household name back home. He’s done well for himself, with his most successful spell coming with his current side, Leicester City, where he’s won the FA Cup, FA Community Shield and the EFL Championship.
Reflecting on his journey in the By Way of Africa interview with NBC, Ndidi revealed how football in Nigeria goes beyond a sport on green grass. He admitted the beautiful game turns youth away from street vices and keeps the country united amidst several geo-political crises.
“Football is a lifestyle, a potent source of joy and passion, and for many, it provides an escape. Football truly brings the nation together. No one cares about your background or tribe; it’s about the shared love for the game. The experience of gathering to watch football is unparalleled. Take, for instance, a World Cup match coinciding with an election; people would choose to watch football over everything else.
It’s woven into our culture. Every child aspires to play. As Patson Daka aptly put it, football helps steer people away from undesirable activities. Football isn’t just huge; it embodies the spirit of Nigeria, alongside the overwhelming support we receive,” the AFCON 2019 Bronze medallist said.
When quizzed about what it feels like to wear the Green and White colours of the Super Eagles, Ndidi added that he doesn’t take for granted the opportunity to have the entire nation on his shoulders.
“It’s a massive privilege. Representing a nation of over 200 million people is an honour that I will never take for granted. I feel a rush of emotions every time we sing the national anthem. The intensity of the moment is indescribable, reminding me of how the community would react with reverence as the anthem played during my childhood.”
Ndidi is currently nursing a hamstring injury that’ll most likely keep him out of action till next year, meaning he’ll be unavailable when the Foxes take on Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow afternoon.