Wilfred Ndidi has been officially appointed captain of the Super Eagles, stepping into the leadership role following the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong.
The confirmation was made on Friday, December 19, through the Super Eagles’ official 𝕏 account, drawing the curtain on the Troost-Ekong era and opening a new chapter for Nigeria’s national team.
Wilfred Ndidi has spoken about the responsibility that comes with the role and the importance of unity within the squad as Nigeria prepares for major tournaments ahead.
“It’s a huge responsibility, with the help of the players everything will be smooth,” Ndidi told Super Eagles media.
“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.”
The 28-year-old midfielder will lead Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having been chosen as Troost-Ekong’s successor to guide the team into a new phase of leadership.
Ndidi had already worn the captain’s armband during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff against DR Congo last month.
Troost-Ekong started that match on the bench as the Super Eagles, coached by Eric Chelle, were edged out 4-3 on penalties in the CAF qualifying final.
Naija News reports that emergence of Ndidi as the long-term captain followed Troost-Ekong’s announcement on December 4 that he was stepping away from international football, leaving Ndidi as the standout choice to take over.
Ndidi has earned 71 caps for Nigeria since making his debut under Sunday Oliseh in a friendly against DR Congo on October 8, 2015, when he was just 18 years old.
At club level, the former Leicester City midfielder brought an eight-year spell with the Foxes to an end in the off-season, joining Besiktas.
He was named vice-captain of the Turkish side in October, a nod to his growing influence on and off the pitch.
Captaining Nigeria now represents the biggest test of his career, with the Super Eagles aiming to return to the summit of African football and push for successive AFCON finals.
Nigeria narrowly missed out on a fourth continental title at the 2023 tournament, letting a half-time lead slip in a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
