Nigeria captain, Wilfred Ndidi has demonstrated his leadership by stepping in to address Victor Osimhen’s frustration following the striker’s angry reaction to being substituted during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener against Tanzania.
Despite the Super Eagles’ vital win in their opening game, the former Napoli man appeared unhappy during his substitution, as he failed to convert the chances that came his way.
With Nigeria securing a crucial 2-1 win over Tanzania, Ndidi immediately recognized the need to manage team harmony, telling reporters, “I am going to speak to him. He’s a great guy, he wants to win.”
The incident tested Nigeria’s team dynamics early in the tournament, with Ndidi’s proactive approach highlighting the importance of off-field leadership in maintaining squad unity during high-pressure competitions.
The Super Eagles are preparing to face Tunisia in their next game on Saturday, December 27, at the Fez Stadium.
The three-time champions, after losing the final of the 2023 edition to Ivory Coast, are poised to make amends, with their surprise failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup another driving factor for their determination.
