AFCON: Wilfred Ndidi named Nigeria captain

Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has officially been named Nigeria’s new captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

 

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His appointment comes after William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football earlier this month.

The Beşiktaş midfielder’s appointment was confirmed on the Super Eagles’ social media handles on Friday.

​Speaking with the Super Eagles media team, the 28-year-old said he is counting on the support of his teammates to make his reign successful as they focus on the task ahead.

“It’s a huge responsibility, with the help of the players everything will be smooth.

I have had conversation with a couple of the players, just to let them know the reason why we are here. I also need their support as well, including the staff, 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 former Leicester City player is one of the most experienced players in the Super Eagles and was previously handed the armband for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Rabat last month.

​His vice-captain is yet to be announced, but those in contention include veterans Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who are all in the running for the leadership role.

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