Besiktas Explains Wilfred Ndidi’s Absence from Nigeria vs. Egypt Match
Wilfred Ndidi, the Nigerian midfielder currently with Beşiktaş, has faced significant health challenges during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. His absence from the Super Eagles’ third-place playoff against Egypt has raised concerns among fans and sports analysts alike.
Wilfred Ndidi’s Injury Update
Beşiktaş released a statement explaining Ndidi’s medical condition following his failure to play in the key match against Egypt, which ended in a goalless draw. Despite expectations for his return, he was benched and did not contribute to the game, which Nigeria eventually won on penalties.
Details of the Injury
Ndidi, 29, had previously missed Nigeria’s semi-final match against Morocco due to suspension. However, he was expected to resume his role as captain in the playoff. Instead, he was diagnosed with a strain and bleeding in the hamstring muscle of his left thigh, injuries that prevented him from participating in critical matches.
- Injury sustained during the quarter-final match against Algeria.
- Medical evaluation revealed significant damage to the biceps femoris muscle.
- Ndidi is currently receiving treatment in Istanbul after returning from Morocco.
Performance and Leadership Impact
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Ndidi’s performance in the earlier stages of AFCON 2025 has left a positive impression. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s victories, including scoring his first international goal in a thrilling 3-2 match against Tunisia.
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Journey
The Super Eagles concluded the tournament by finishing third, while Senegal emerged as the champions after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final. This outcome was not what Nigeria had envisioned, particularly after missing the qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Message from Wilfred Ndidi
Following the tournament, Ndidi expressed his gratitude to Nigerian fans for their unwavering support. He shared his disappointment but emphasized the team’s commitment to improving and becoming stronger in future competitions.
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wilfred Ndidi | Hamstring strain and bleeding | Undergoing treatment in Istanbul |
As Ndidi embarks on his recovery journey, both Beşiktaş and the Super Eagles are eager to see him return to action as one of Nigeria’s key players.
