December 22, (THEWILL) -Super Eagles’ interim boss Austin Eguavoen has raised his concerns about Wilfred Ndidi, ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ndidi, an important part of the Nigerian national team’s midfield structure, has had a good season with Leicester in the English Premier League but the coach, who will be calling the shots at AFCON, feels the midfield enforcer can perform even better.
Ndidi has risen through the ranks at Leicester since his arrival in 2017 to the point where he has recently been linked with moves to Manchester United and Liverpool in the EPL and even to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
In a public interview, Eguavoen reminded Ndidi of his potential and stated that he had spoken with the 25-year-old about his concerns.
“When I see Ndidi in the midfield, not 100% Oliseh [Sunday, legendary African midfielder], but I think he is on his way to becoming one of the best defensive players in the world,” Eguavoen remarked.
“But he’s holding back as far as I am concerned. He’s got a lot to still give, but I think he is holding back. I have spoken to him on one or two occasions.”
Ndidi might start at center-back against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday evening for Leicester in the second set of quarter-final fixtures of the EFL Carabao Cup.
Leicester is managing injuries to key players that have left them short-staffed in certain positions. Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu both suffered hamstring injuries against Newcastle and may not be totally fit due to the 48-hour training ground restriction.
Although all three formerly COVID-19 positive players, Daniel Amartey, Jannik Vestergaard, and Filip Benkovic, have finished their isolation periods, they may be lacking in fitness.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
