Wilfred Ndidi, new Super Eagles captain, says with team cohesion and unity, the team can achieve their goal of winning the AFCON a fourth time.
Ndidi spoke head of the team’s opening game against Tanzania on December 23. William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement this December, leaving a vacuum to be filled and his assistant, Wilfred Ndidi has stepped in as captain. Ndidi acknowledged that it is a huge responsibility to lead the team.
“It’s a huge responsibility and with the help of the players, I think everything will go smoothly,” Ndidi said.
“I’ve had conversations with a couple of players, just some of the older players, to try to make them understand that reason why were here.
“We also need support from also staff. We’re all in this together so we’ve had this conversation of the task ahead and it is very important that you all be on same page,” he said.
He reflected on William Troost-Ekong’s time with the Super Eagles and also the failure of the team to qualify for the World Cup. He believes the AFCON is the right place to correct the wrongs and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
“It was a sad one missing out on the World Cup, but this is another opportunity. Another day, another opportunity to correct the wrongs, put smiles on faces of Nigerians, and make country proud once again.
“It’s not going to be an easy task, but we’re really up for it,” he added.
The Super Eagles played in the final of the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire where they lost 2-1 to the hosts. With their their Naija 4 THE WIN mantra, the Eagles hope to win for a fourth time, after victories in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
