Ndidi’s Debut: Can New Super Eagles Captain Lead Nigeria to AFCON Triumph?

By Emmanuel Kwada

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations moves into the knockout stage, everyone is watching Wilfred Ndidi, the new captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Many believe his leadership can help end Nigeria’s 12-year wait for a fourth African title. He got the armband after William Troost-Ekong suddenly retired from international football in December.

The 29-year-old Beşiktaş midfielder has taken the role seriously and led the team to a perfect group stage with nine points, making Nigeria one of the favourites.

Ndidi’s first games as captain have been impressive both for him and the team. In the important 3-2 win against Tunisia, he scored his first goal for Nigeria in his 73rd match; a strong header from an Ademola Lookman corner that made it 2-0.

Wilfred Ndidi’s first match as the captain of the Super Eagles was Tanzania, AFCON 2025.

He celebrated by copying Kanu Nwankwo’s famous stagger from the 1996 Olympics, showing the happiness and togetherness he wants in the squad.

Nigeria also beat Tanzania 2-1 and Uganda 3-1. Ndidi played a big part in the midfield control, and he was rested in the last group game to stay fresh for the knockouts.

The Super Eagles are very strong in midfield and attack. Ndidi anchors the midfield with his non-stop tackling, good positioning, and now a goal threat.

Together with Raphael Onyedika who scored twice against Uganda and Alex Iwobi’s clever passing, the midfield controls matches, stops opponents, and starts quick attacks.

In attack, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been outstanding. Osimhen uses his strength and sharp finishing, while Lookman, the current African Footballer of the Year brings skill, vision, and goals.

Defence remains a clear weakness. Nigeria conceded in every group game, letting in four goals in total.

They have scored and created chances in every game. Players like Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Paul Onuachu give extra options, making Nigeria’s attack one of the most dangerous in the tournament. The team scored eight goals in three matches.

However, defence remains a clear weakness. Nigeria conceded in every group game, letting in four goals in total.

Small mistakes in concentration, especially on set-pieces and during quick changes of play, gave opponents chances to score; like Tanzania’s equaliser, Tunisia’s two late goals, and Uganda’s reply.

Losing Troost-Ekong, who was loud and strong in the air, has hurt the defence. The back line sometimes looks unsettled, even though players like Semi Ajayi are good individually.

Wilfred Ndidi in action against Tunisia

As captain and the player sitting right in front of the defence, Ndidi can help fix this and keep clean sheets – something the team will need in the knockout rounds.

He must talk more to organise the defenders, make sure the team wins the ball back quickly when it is lost, and mark tightly on corners and free-kicks.

Ndidi needs to keep everyone focused for the full 90 minutes, use his experience to spot danger early, and protect the back four better.

He should also work on better links between midfield and defence in training, with clear pressing plans and a tight team shape. Above all, he must encourage the players to take shared responsibility and play for Troost-Ekong’s memory.

Ndidi can help fix this and keep clean sheets – something the team will need in the knockout rounds.

To win the trophy, Nigeria needs steady defending without losing their attacking power, plus Ndidi’s calm leadership to keep a group of big stars united. If he can solve the defensive problems while using the strong midfield and attack, the Super Eagles can beat tough teams ahead, starting with Mozambique in the Round of 16 on January 5.

The pain of missing the World Cup is pushing the team forward. Ndidi sees the captain’s armband as a duty for everyone to make over 200 million Nigerians happy. His strong start shows he can do it – if the defence improves under his guidance, a fourth AFCON title since 2013 looks very possible.

Wilfred Ndidi. Very brilliant goal.
#AFCON2025 #NIGTUN pic.twitter.com/h5Mhyq5RQd

— COACH LABI ⚽️ (@kinglabi_) December 27, 2025

Read Also: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Unbeaten, Top Group C with 9 Points