Wilfred Ndidi: Lifting Hopes of Kids at Xmas

If I had this same opportunity in my days, my football breakthrough would probably have happened earlier

He flew into Nigeria from the United Kingdom on Thursday morning (Boxing Day) just to fulfill one obligation- put smiles on the faces of over 2,000 school children from Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA during this festive season by showering them with gifts and identifying with them. The Super Eagles defensive midfielder tells Kunle Adewale that if he was given the same opportunity- to identify with star players and be exposed to good pitches like the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, his football career would have blossomed long before it did and he probably would be a better player, ‘who knows’. He also expresses his belief in Nigeria’s ability to book the 2026 World Cup ticket in spite of the team’s precarious position in the six-team table and many more    

For Super Eagles and Leicester City defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, spending Christmas season with over 2,000 children in Ajegunle does not only give him joy but fulfilment.

“This is a project where we try to put smiles on the faces of the children and letting them have wonderful memories of the season. We did one in July, in which I played football with them, but now we’re trying to create good memories of the Christmas period. Seeing them smiling is a thing of joy and it lives long in their memories.

“Christmas is such a magical time, and I believe that these kids deserve to experience that joy. The happiness you see across their faces is something truly special. When you do something kind for adults, they appreciate it internally. But for kids, their joy radiates and influences the adults around them, encouraging a cycle of kindness,” Ndidi expressed.

Asked if it was not too much of a sacrifice for him to fly into the country on Thursday and return to the United Kingdom the next day just to associate with these kids during this festive season, he said, “There is no sacrifice too much to put smiles to these little ones. This day would linger in their memories for a long time to come if not forever. I’m a product of the academy, J-League, but for some time now the focus on the kids had been lost, rather the focus is on the end product. But if we focus on the kids more and develop them under a good atmosphere, it will prepare them better for the future and this is what we’re trying to achieve,” the Leicester City midfielder noted.

On whether he had this kind of opportunity while growing up, Ndidi, who admitted growing up in the Barracks, where such opportunities are rare said, “if I had something close to this where I can meet with star players and the opportunity to play on a  pitch like the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, probably my football career would have blossomed earlier than it did and who knows, ‘maybe I might even be a better player (smiles).”

“The aim is to create lasting memories for them, especially since many of us didn’t have such experiences when we were young. It’s crucial to foster these moments for the younger generation.

“For me, Christmas was rather uneventful while growing up; it felt like any other day. We’d share food with our neighbours, if we could, with the highpoint being the new Christmas clothes, which connotes the festive period.”

Host and Chairman Nathaniel Idowu Foundation Chief Yemi Idowu, on his part hailed Ndidi for the gesture, saying, “This is part of something we do every year to try and celebrate with the kids, especially because we are here in Ajegunle and they are our friends. I am very happy to have the king of the community, the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Fatai Ayoola and Wilfred to support us in doing this. It has a bigger impact when we all work together.”

Ayoola, on his part, noted that the role of the authority was mainly crowd control.

“What we have done is to first accredit them from the LGA secretariat and we drove the kids into this venue. We also made arrangements for those who would come unannounced to the Maracana Park, as they would equally be taken care of as much as those inside so we can have a perfect party.

“It’s a back-to-back celebration for the kids of Ajegunle and we are elated to host Ndidi,” Ayoola noted.

The former NAT Boys of Lagos player said he could have as well done such project in the UK, but decided to do it in Nigeria where it’s much more needed, appreciated and beneficial.

“I’m a Nigerian, I grew up here. This is my fatherland. And why would I want to do it over there (UK) where there are many opportunities for the kids, unlike here where such opportunities are limited. So, I believe that the kids in Nigeria need it more.

“Ajegunle has been home to many great players like Odion Ighalo and many others. By giving back in this area instils hope and inspiration in them,” Ndidi said.

Considering the precarious position of the Super Eagles on the World Cup qualifying table where they are placed fifth on the six-team table after managing just three points from four matches, many soccer loving Nigerians have rightly lost hope in the country hoisting its flag at the 2026 World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. But the 28-year-old said all hope is not lost.

“Our performance in the AFCON qualifiers has fueled our confidence as we approach the World Cup qualifiers. Although we had a rocky start, it’s time to move on. Cohesion is essential, and we need to treat every match as a must-win. We can’t afford to let any opportunity slip by; our future is determined by how we perform from here on.”

The midfield lynchpin is however unperturbed by the possibility of a new manager for the Super Eagles when the team regroups for the next phase of the World Cup qualifying rounds.

“We’re not worried. Our primary focus is on winning. This is more than just tactics; it’s about a collective and individual desire. We’ve been building on our experiences from the last two AFCON qualifiers. The World Cup is just once in four years event, and we must seize this chance,” Ndidi said optimistically.

With three managers in less than one year at Leicester City and the club threaten by relegation, for Ndidi, the arrival of new manager, Rud van Nistelrooy has brought a renewed hope at the club. “It’s been a great atmosphere since his arrival. He’s an exceptional manager with an inspiring personality, working hard to bring the team together. We’re in a building phase, and it’s only a matter of time before we fully embrace his ideas and start winning games. There are still many matches to be played this season and we’re ready to rise to the challenge.”

Ndidi is indeed confident about Leicester avoiding relegation. “We possess the talent to stay in the league. Things may not be going smoothly right now, but I believe that, with time, we can turn it around.”

Leicester ironically lost to Liverpool on Boxing Day while Ndidi was in Nigeria. He however hopes to be back in the Foxes ranks in the New Year after injury has kept him out of the team.