Nigerian midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi
Eko Hot Blog reports that Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles midfielder, expressed disappointment over the team’s inability to fully utilize their training camp in Uyo for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Citing the delayed arrival of some members of the 23-man squad as a contributing factor.
The Super Eagles camp commenced in Uyo last Friday, but by Wednesday afternoon, only 22 players had reported.
With Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye yet to join the squad.
Ademola Lookman, Atalanta’s Europa League standout, and Alex Iwobi arrived at the team’s hotel on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, five additional players – Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka, and forward Paul Onuachu – arrived in Uyo via a private jet.
Eagles’ training camp in Uyo
Their planned arrival on Monday was disrupted by the nationwide strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress, causing flight operations to halt.
Ndidi, who had joined the camp last Friday along with 15 other players, reflected on the performance of the depleted squad.
“To be honest, it has affected the preparations because normally we were supposed to start training on Saturday and we have not been together.
“I think it has affected the team in some ways, like we’re supposed to know what we are doing and how to approach the game, but we haven’t been able to do that.
“But I think they as they come in as well, they will be great additions still and we will take it up from there,” Ndidi told NFF TV.
Despite missing the 2023 AFCON due to injury, the Leicester midfielder emphasized that the Eagles cannot afford to lower the standard set by their second-place finish in Ivory Coast as they prepare to face South Africa on Friday and Benin Republic next Monday.
“The way we performed at the AFCON has actually raised some standards and the expectation is high.
“I think we have the same players and the same coach who was part of the team and we will do our best because we know these games are important.
“First of all, we have to focus on South Africa, whatever happens gives us confidence going into the second one.”
At the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of football, a result that Ndidi believes will remain vivid in the minds of their opponents.
“It makes it more difficult because looking back to what we did at the AFCON it’s not going to be an easy game.
“Because when they look back to the AFCON semi-finals, they will come for revenge and we are expecting that.”
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