Football unites Nigerians, keeps youth away from vices — Ndidi

Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has said that football helps people stay away from bad things in Nigeria due to the love his compatriots have for the sport.

Ndidi shared this during the ‘By Way of Africa’ series on NBCSports, where he discussed the impact of football in Nigeria and across the African continent, stressing that football is much more than just a game worldwide.

The Super Eagles midfielder also believes that football is a way of life, a source of unrelenting passion and joy, and, for some, an escape.

He noted that the hope and power infused in those 90 minutes can make a nation stand still.

Ndidi, who made his Premier League debut with Leicester in 2017, also talked about the pride he feels and the responsibilities he carries when wearing the colours of his nation.

On the cultural significance of football in Africa, particularly its importance to Nigeria and how it is celebrated, he said: “In Nigeria, football actually unifies the country.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what tribe or anything. People don’t see that. As long as you just go for it, so many people gather to watch.

“For example, if Nigeria were competing in the World Cup and there was an election that day, people would want to go watch football. That’s how massive it is. It’s a cultural thing.

“Every young kid wants to play football. As Patson (Daka) said, it actually helps people stay away from bad things. In Nigeria, football is really, really massive, and so is the support you receive.”

When asked to describe the pride he feels wearing his country’s jersey and what it symbolizes for him personally, the former KAA Gent player said: “It’s a privilege. In Nigeria, we have over 200 million people, so coming to represent and put on the shirt is a privilege, and you will never take it for granted.

“I get goosebumps every game we play when we’re singing the national anthem. As a child, I used to watch the guys who played and see how the whole community would get quiet when the anthem was playing.
“So, for me to be there now is really amazing. There are no real words to explain the feeling when you put that jersey on.”

Meanwhile, Leicester manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has confirmed that Ndidi will not be available to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Sunday’s Premier League meeting at the King Power Stadium.

Ndidi has a hamstring problem, which is expected to keep him out for several weeks. The Nigerian midfielder sustained the injury during a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on December 8.

As a result of the injury, the 28-year-old missed last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United at Saint James’ Park, and van Nistelrooy has confirmed he is still not available to return.

The Leicester manager addressed the media during his pre-match press conference on Friday and provided a squad update ahead of his side’s Premier League fixture against Wolves this weekend.

Although Ndidi has started his rehabilitation, the match against Wolves has come too soon for him. “Wilfred is in rehab. He’s not on the pitch, so he’s not available for selection.”

So far this season, the Nigerian has contributed four assists in 15 league appearances for the former Premier League champions, who just made their return to the top flight this summer.