Besiktas has officially named Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as the club’s new vice-captain, shortly after his transfer from Leicester City, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Turkish Süper Lig club made the announcement public on Friday through an official statement.
Since arriving in Istanbul, 27-year-old Ndidi has adapted swiftly, showcasing consistent and confident performances in the heart of midfield.
Ndidi has already appeared in five league fixtures and two UEFA Conference League qualifying matches, earning admiration from fans for his tactical discipline, relentless energy, and calmness under pressure.
In the same release, Besiktas confirmed that Orkun Kökçü, currently on loan from Benfica and expected to join permanently next summer, will take over as the team’s captain.
“Following the decision by our President Serdal Adalı and the Board of Directors, changes have been made to the captaincy of our Football A Team,” the club stated.
“Orkun Kökçü has been appointed as the primary captain, with Wilfred Ndidi as vice-captain. We extend our gratitude to Necip Uysal and Mert Günok for their contributions and wish our new leaders every success.”
Both Kökçü and Ndidi are set to officially take on their leadership roles when Besiktas face Gençlerbirliği in the upcoming Süper Lig match on Saturday.
Stay Updated with Our Latest Sports Coverage – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Today!
Wilfred Ndidi Embraces Leadership Responsibilities at Club and International Level
Ndidi’s appointment as vice-captain marks a significant milestone in his evolving leadership journey, both for Besiktas and the Nigerian national team.
This elevation comes just three months after his departure from Leicester City, where he spent seven impactful years, contributing to the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.
On the international front, Ndidi also holds a key leadership position within the Super Eagles squad. With Ahmed Musa sidelined due to injury and club commitments at Kano Pillars, William Troost-Ekong has captained Nigeria recently, but Ndidi has frequently stepped in as deputy.
Ndidi captained Nigeria during their commanding 4-0 victory over Benin in the final World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, a game highlighted by Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and a goal from Frank Onyeka.
Looking ahead, Ndidi is anticipated to play a pivotal role when the Super Eagles reconvene for the African playoff stage in Morocco next month. Nigeria will face Gabon on November 13, with the winner advancing to challenge either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next year.
0 Comments