Yes it is the whole of Nigeria.... but just yesterday being Sunday in Nigeria, it happens to be Kano and Katsina... let us not use the whole "It is the whole of Nigeria" angle to just take this matter lightly because you and I know that we have had more fans trouble in the north than in the south in the history of the NPFL........ This is becoming a cankerworm that refuses to die.

BascoVanVeli:


It is the whole Nigeria. Last year i can remember MFM, Warri and Ikorodu being sanctioned for bad fans. Remember Enyimba had to lift their trophy in Lagos a couple years ago. Akwa and Enyimba had this same issue some years back and I pray that this doesn't go to the level of retaliation.

goldfish80:

I read about it and to be honest, I am pleasantly surprised. I hear minor details in the contract are being trashed out.
I expect more of these sort of transfer to the NPFL. I don't know what happened to the Yobo deal to Kano pillars last year. But the Nigerian league should be at the level ex internationals especially from West Africa come back in the twilight of their careers.
Won't be bad having guys like Adebayo, Essien, Odewingie etc

I hope the LMC in whatever capacity it can step in to make the Bance deal happen.

I heard of this also, it would be a big look for the league. From wat i read the deal is almost done as all the terms have been agreed upon for a 6 month contract with Rivers United.
Another big splash that they spoke about making was a 100 million naira transfer for Stephen Odey.

Rohr : CHAN Great Opportunity For Top NPFL Players , Eagles Will Be Strong To Beat South Africa , Cameroon

By James Agberebi: (photos by Ganiyu Yusuf)

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, says players who have been impressive in the Nigeria Professional Football League can start off with the home-based team who will soon begin preparation for the 2018 Championship for Africa Nations (CHAN).


Rohr stated this after watching top of the table clash between MFM FC and El-Kanemi Warriors on matchday 18 at the Agege Stadium Lagos on Sunday.


Speaking to the media after the game, Rohr said: "Concerning inviting some of the players I saw in the game between MFM and El-Kanemi, as you know, it is not easy to change a winning team," Rohr stated..


"We work with young and good players who have brought us to the top of our 2018 World Cup qualifying group. Though I have seen some players from MFM and El Kanemi who can come into the Super Eagles, but they have to work very much which is not easy. And for me, the first step is for them to start with the CHAN team.


"The CHAN team is a local Super Eagles team and some of these players I have seen might have the chance there.


"My assistants, Salisu (Yusuf) and Imama (Amakapabo) know all these players. Salisu was here some time ago and made report about what he saw. So we always want to have the best for the Super Eagles.


"Presently, we have a good Super Eagles team with young players and to be part of the team, you must be very strong."


Rohr stated further: "The door is open, and I am waiting for the selection of the CHAN team. Just like last year, I had a look at the team in Spain when the NPFL All Stars played there and I took two of them. So when somebody is playing well, he will have his chance."


On his impression about the MFM and El-Kanemi game, Rohr praised both Fidelis Ilechikwu (MFM) and Ladan Bosso (El-Kanemi) for their tactical awareness in the game.


"I was very interested in the tactical aspect of the game between MFM and El-Kanemi," Rohr said.


"Both teams had good organisation and they had chances to score goals without creating meaningful opportunity. So tactically, the two teams were organised and I appreciate them for that."


"So I was happy to see the game. It was a good game, very interesting game. The game was already over in the first half. Aside from the MFM vs El Kanemi game, I also saw two other teams on Sunday, two good teams with good players also.



"I am happy to have also seen some games that involved teams in the second division (NNL), it was very interesting too with young players with one of them coached by Victor Agali.

From what I have seen so far in these games, I am impressed.


Commenting on why the Super Eagles will camp in France ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, Rohr said it wouldn't be a good idea to allow the players go on break at the end of the football season.


"The reason why we want to camp in France ahead of the South Africa game is because the problem we have is that when the players finish the season in May, I can't let them go on a three week holiday and then ask them to come and beat South Africa.


"So we have our programme set out where we plan to play friendly games in order to prepare well against South Africa."
Rohr went on to dismiss the issue between Cameroon's coach Hugo Broos and their football federation (FECAFOOT) stressing that it won't be a factor when the Eagles host Cameroon in August.


"Cameroon is always a strong team and we also have to be very strong to beat them. I don't believe the issue with their coach (Hugo Broos) will be a problem for them because these problems are everywhere in Africa.


"The game will be decided on the field by 22 players. And we are happy that CAF has a new leader, so nothing can be manipulated and we are also happy that the NFF president (Amaju Pinnick) is elected into the Executive Committee.


"It is important that CAF organisation is objective. So I believe what will be decisve will be what happens on the pitch between the players."


Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rohr-chan-great-opportunity-top-npfl-players-eagles-will-strong-beat-south-africa-cameroon/

Nigerian Adi Becomes Portland Timbers All-Time Top Scorer, Earns Coach’s Praise



By Johnny Edward:

Nigerian striker Fanendo Adi became Portland Timbers’ all-time leading goalscorer on Sunday when he struck his 46th career goal for the club in their 3-1 Major League Soccer win at Philadelphia Union, reports Comple tesportsnigeria.com.


Adi secured maximum points for the Timbers from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way in the 88th minute for the Nigerian’s his fifth goal of the season after goals from Darlington Nagbe and Roy Miller had cancelled out Richie Marquez 26th minute opener for the hosts.


The 26-year-old Adi strike saw him become the Timbers’ all-time leading goalscorer, passing Timbers legend John Bain on 45. The win took the Timbers clear on top of the Western Conference with 13 points from six MLS games.


Meanwhile Timbers coach Caleb Porter praised Adi for achieving the historic feat.

“Plain and simple, Adi is one of the best strikers in the league. He doesn’t get enough credit,” Porter told Timbers’ official website.


“I don’t know why he doesn’t get enough credit. He’s starting to get a little bit more. But when you look at how many goals he’s scored and how he’s played in his three-plus years in this league he should get more credit and more respect.


“He should be mentioned among the top strikers in this league. He’ll keep scoring goals. Hopefully some more people realize just how good this kid is.”


Portland Timbers will host Sporting Kansas in their next MLS game on Friday.


www.completesportsnigeria.com/adi-becomes-portland-timbers-time-top-scorer-earns-coachs-praise/

Shuaibu,Tagbajumi & Ex-Man City Target Omoijuanfo Are Joint Top Scorers In Norway





Former Giwa FC striker Ibrahim Shuaibu continued his impressive start to the season with a goal for Haugesund in their 2-0 road win over Lillestrom in the Norwegian Eliteserien on Sunday

FKH's most in-form player Shuaibu was in the right place at the right time to double his team's advantage in second-half injury time.

Three Nigerians were in the starting line-up for this one, ex-Flying Eagles star Ifeanyi Mathew and Chigozie Udoji put in a full shift for the home team, just as Shuaibu did.


Elsewhere, Nigerian-born striker Marco Tagbajumi, who is also eligible to represent Italy, tallied his third goal of the season as Stromsgodset were held to a 1-1 draw by Aalesund.



Ex-Manchester City trialist Ohi Omoijuanfo fired blanks in Stabaek's 2-0 win over Odd, but remains the leading scorer in the Norwegian top-flight along with Shuaibu, Tagbajumi and three Scandinavians.


Chidiebere Nwakali played the last 32 minutes of Sogndal's 3-0 loss to Tromso.


**Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : fkh.no


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22667

maidaboi:
oga i was not the one that bring messi and co into the agument, so because kc is not good as messi he should stay at city drilling under pep than going somewhere to get game time. And you think you are not bias and been objective when you said success is a waste or kc is not good but defend england born players then i think you are the most bias person on this thread

Firstly, I said KC has done exceptionally well. City is a world class top club with a huge brand and money to spend. That comes with huge expectations and pressure on both players and managers.

I do not recall one player that has come out of City's academy in the last 7/8 years that has had the meteoric rise KC has had. That's an achievement. Please let TheGoodJoe correct me or inform of us these stats. I almost certain that KC has broken a number of records at City in modern times.

Your claim smacks of premeditated sentimental prejudice.

I have never said that KC is not good, I have said repeatedly he is exceptional.But he is not World Class yet or one of the top strikers in the world. If indeed you wish to call him a striker or No.9

I said that staying at City is still a viable option. I alluded to the performance of Delph waiting for his chance now it seems he has fought his way into the team.

KC can still do the same. Or he can move to another team if City will let him go.

Isaac Success in my opinion considering his price tag and supposed hype. Is still currently a waste man. I haven't changed my opinion. He has been in the EPL and he has done nothing and doesn't look like he will do anything.

The claim you make, the see the bold is a very strong indeed. But please I am open to criticism and will not be offended in fact I might be encouraged to see your point of view.

Be specific, objective and not evasive show who I defended with bias and how I am the most biased in this thread.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_4M8n4Qatg

Onuachu and Rilwan's goals


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YseJImZMws

komekn:


Firstly, I said KC has done exceptionally well. City is a world class top club with a huge brand and money to spend. That comes with huge expectations and pressure on both players and managers.

I do not recall one player that has come out of City's academy in the last 7/8 years that has had the meteoric rise KC has had. That's an achievement. Please let TheGoodJoe correct me or inform of us these stats. I almost certain that KC has broken a number of records at City in modern times.

Your claim smacks of premeditated sentimental prejudice.

I have never said that KC is not good, I have said repeatedly he is exceptional.But he is not World Class yet or one of the top strikers in the world. If indeed you wish to call him a striker or No.9

I said that staying at City is still a viable option. I alluded to the performance of Delph waiting for his chance now it seems he has fought his way into the team.

KC can still do the same. Or he can move to another team if City will let him go.

Isaac Success in my opinion considering his price tag and supposed hype. Is still currently a waste man. I haven't changed my opinion. He has been in the EPL and he has done nothing and doesn't look like he will do anything.

The claim you make, the see the bold is a very strong indeed. But please I am open to criticism and will not be offended in fact I might be encouraged to see your point of view.

Be specific, objective and not evasive show who I defended with bias and how I am the most biased in this thread.

you see every one has his own opinion and you can disagree and give your own view. But don't say that person is bias or setimental. When i said kc is great player or success is not a waste you will say that i am bias, but when you say that ojo is better than success or oyedima is world class you are not bias. Welldone sir

TheSuperNerd:
Yes it is the whole of Nigeria.... but just yesterday being Sunday in Nigeria, it happens to be Kano and Katsina... let us not use the whole "It is the whole of Nigeria" angle to just take this matter lightly because you and I know that we have had more fans trouble in the north than in the south in the history of the NPFL........ This is becoming a cankerworm that refuses to die.

That is false, the north does not have the most violence. Fact is the more people in the stadium the increased chance of there being hooligans, just like if a town is bigger there will be more criminals. Like i said the problem is crowd control, if the right steps were taking with more police present we wouldn't be talking about this right now. Still u can't brand all northern fans such because some people just went to catch a game and nothing more. We won't get anything done by finger pointing, we have to stand together against stadium violence and hooligans.

TheSuperNerd:
Yes it is the whole of Nigeria.... but just yesterday being Sunday in Nigeria, it happens to be Kano and Katsina... let us not use the whole "It is the whole of Nigeria" angle to just take this matter lightly because you and I know that we have had more fans trouble in the north than in the south in the history of the NPFL........ This is becoming a cankerworm that refuses to die.

This is completely untrue..

Blessing Eleke's Goal


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODRs6M_2KFE&sns=tw

BascoVanVeli:


That is false, the north does not have the most violence. Fact is the more people in the stadium the increased chance of there being hooligans, just like if a town is bigger there will be more criminals. Like i said the problem is crowd control, if the right steps were taking with more police present we wouldn't be talking about this right now. Still u can't brand all northern fans such because some people just went to catch a game and nothing more. We won't get anything done by finger pointing, we have to stand together against stadium violence and hooligans.

It has nothing to do with more people in the stadium, did yu see the crowd that watch Rangers match last season, was they any record of crowd trouble ? Kano fans has always been known for intimidating match officials or the visiting team. Another place where visiting teams are scared of is in El-kanemi mayb because of the boko issue, most teams goes to maiduguri with the mindset to lose.

Joebie:
hahahaha.. who no like e life?.. away wins are forbidden.. The problem then is our police.

Kano Pillars should be banned from playing at home for the rest of the season

i agreed with the ban,they shall be sent to benin city to play their home matches for the rest of the season

Danycrusoe:
Me with Peter Rufai after the NNL game between Ikorodu v Go round today at the MKO stadium abeokuta

nice dodo mayana is looking good

zicky:
It has nothing to do with more people in the stadium, did yu see the crowd that watch Rangers match last season, was they any record of crowd trouble ? Kano fans has always been known for intimidating match officials or the visiting team. Another place where visiting teams are scared of is in El-kanemi mayb because of the boko issue, most teams goes to maiduguri with the mindset to lose.

Please what chance did Ranger fans have to act like fools? Was it when they were on the way to winning their first league in 32 years? I don't like these comments because they are baseless and promote hate. I tell people that even MFM a church club had issues with fan violence and we are making this a northern thing. We all have to look in the mirror and try to get better together. Teams lose to El Kanemi because of the distance they travel added to the heat they face. They just won their first ever away match this year so that should let u know it is not easy.

Danycrusoe:
Me with Peter Rufai after the NNL game between Ikorodu v Go round today at the MKO stadium abeokuta

Danycrusoe! Such a young chap and you still have this much interest in the NPFL and even more unbelievable the NNL.

U are definitely 1 in 20million cos ur age mates are busy following Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal all about.

Let me tell you one of the hidden secrets of success: Be exceptional. U are on course bro.

I am really impressed. Keep up with the good works.

In other news: Peter Rufai is looking good and younger these days. lol!

BascoVanVeli:


Please what chance did Ranger fans have to act like fools? Was it when they were on the way to winning their first league in 32 years? I don't like these comments because they are baseless and promote hate. I tell people that even MFM a church club had issues with fan violence and we are making this a northern thing. We all have to look in the mirror and try to get better together. Teams lose to El Kanemi because of the distance they travel added to the heat they face. They just won their first ever away match this year so that should let u know it is not easy.

Am not saying its a northern thng, I just don't buy the crowd angle, go back to history as research about what happen whenever Rangers n Heartland face each other, bt last season Heartland drew away to Rangers with no crowd violence. Some fans are getting educated while others hv remain in the past.

enomakos:
nice dodo mayana is looking good

Good you too noticed?

There was time i met him a few years back and was looking......

Well.... Good to see his current look

zicky:
Am not saying its a northern thng, I just don't buy the crowd angle, go back to history as research about what happen whenever Rangers n Heartland face each other, bt last season Heartland drew away to Rangers with no crowd violence. Some fans are getting educated while others hv remain in the past.

U mentioned 2 northern cities and now tell me u didn't say it was a Northern thing. How about u research what happened between Heartland and Ifeanyi Ubah last season home and away.

Icon4s:

Good you too noticed?
There was time i met him a few years back and was looking......
Well.... Good to see his current look

yeah i remember how he looks those day

BascoVanVeli:


U mentioned 2 northern cities and now tell me u didn't say it was a Northern thing. How about u research what happened between Heartland and Ifeanyi Ubah last season home and away.

Now I know who needs to do more research, Heartland/Ifeanyi Ubah had nothing to do with crowd violence, it was btw the proprietor of the club and Heartland goal keeper, so pls do ur research. You really need to know hw the oriental game came about, I seen it n hv witness it yrs back, bt that is gone, fan are now more educated while some refuse to change

maidaboi:
you see every one has his own opinion and you can disagree and give your own view. But don't say that person is bias or setimental. When i said kc is great player or success is not a waste you will say that i am bias, but when you say that ojo is better than success or oyedima is world class you are not bias. Welldone sir

Making a biased statement and or proposition simply means you have have no rational and or objective substantiation that underpins it. In other words there is no substance to explain and or justify the statement, proposition, view, etc.

I like this forum for its in-depth analysis and criticism sometimes constructive criticism.

So we can agree to disagree but you would expect a discourse based on facts, reasoning, historical trends, etc. That's what makes this forum unique and interesting. Even if we remain anonymous there is still depth to the discussions. As a result I have become informed, educated and even conversant with football in Nigeria.

But back to you Sir, make sure your assertions are factual.

I have said I rate Onyedinma higher than Ademola and others, I have never said Onyedinma is World class that would be ludicrous. I have said KC is an exceptional player but World class not yet.

I actually don't rate Ojo that highly if at all and I don't recall a comparison made with Success. But if I was too I would probably rate Ojo slightly higher as a bona-fide winger than Success.

When I do make an assertion I would mostly be quite clear as to my reasoning that's not bias that's objectivity. It helps the forum and raises the quality of discussion if you proferr your reasons.

But to present such a high handed allegation of bias without any rationality or substance beyond, When you say does not put you in the best light.

If you think Isaac Success is a great rationalise your
view be objective, be factual, that helps everyone to understand and appreciate your view even agree with it. But to do otherwise is sentimentality or might I even suggest prejudice.

zicky:
Now I know who needs to do more research, Heartland/Ifeanyi Ubah had nothing to do with crowd violence, it was btw the proprietor of the club and Heartland goal keeper, so pls do ur research. You really need to know hw the oriental game came about, I seen it n hv witness it yrs back, bt that is gone, fan are now more educated while some refuse to change

What are u talking about? So it is only fan violence when the people doing it are poor abi? IU slapped a player and thugs jumped in to beat up that player. In the reverse fixture the heartland fans also attacked IUFC and their officials so what do u mean by do my research? Do u think i just talk about stuff i have no idea about? Just last year MFM v Shooting stars ended with thugs running on the field and Pinnick having to physically step in, this was MFM for pete sake. The Nigeria Referees Association went as far as saying they would not ref in the state of Delta last season. Don't turn a blind eye to what is in ur face. This can happen anywhere, as long as there is slack security. This ur education talk sounds like u are trying to be funny, so i would like u to explain that.

its now scheiderln that is d latest player 2 complain of the way renowned managers do their player. says van gaal made him a robot. i jst hope nacho's testimony dont get 2 this with pep. drilling pep

Icon4s:


Danycrusoe! Such a young chap and you still have this much interest in the NPFL and even more unbelievable the NNL.

U are definitely 1 in 20million cos ur age mates are busy following Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal all about.

Let me tell you one of the hidden secrets of success: Be exceptional. U are on course bro.

I am really impressed. Keep up with the good works.

In other news: Peter Rufai is looking good and younger these days. lol!

Surprised to see how young he is. Very matured contributions.

tbaba1234:

Surprised to see how young he is. Very matured contributions.

Yeah.
Young but with matured knowledge about the game.

komekn:


Making a biased statement and or proposition simply means you have have no rational and or objective substantiation that underpins it. In other words there is no substance to explain and or justify the statement, proposition, view, etc.

I like this forum for its in-depth analysis and criticism sometimes constructive criticism.

So we can agree to disagree but you would expect a discourse based on facts, reasoning, historical trends, etc. That's what makes this forum unique and interesting. Even if we remain anonymous there is still depth to the discussions. As a result I have become informed, educated and even conversant with football in Nigeria.

But back to you Sir, make sure your assertions are factual.

I have said I rate Onyedinma higher than Ademola and others, I have never said Onyedinma is World class that would be ludicrous. I have said KC is an exceptional player but World class not yet.

I actually don't rate Ojo that highly if at all and I don't recall a comparison made with Success. But if I was too I would probably rate Ojo slightly higher as a bona-fide winger than Success.

When I do make an assertion I would mostly be quite clear as to my reasoning that's not bias that's objectivity. It helps the forum and raises the quality of discussion if you proferr your reasons.

But to present such a high handed allegation of bias without any rationality or substance beyond, When you say does not put you in the best light.

If you think Isaac Success is a great rationalise your
view be objective, be factual, that helps everyone to understand and appreciate your view even agree with it. But to do otherwise is sentimentality or might I even suggest prejudice.

you see, you just make a biased statement "i rate oyedima higher than lookman" when you and i know that lookman is rated higher. Anybody that follow success from u17 to spain and now in epl will never rate ojo higher than success except he is biased or sentimented. And to where you quote me i was not comparing kc with anybody rather was relating to thegoodjoe post, try to understand before quoting anybody

Icon4s:


Danycrusoe! Such a young chap and you still have this much interest in the NPFL and even more unbelievable the NNL.

U are definitely 1 in 20million cos ur age mates are busy following Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal all about.

Let me tell you one of the hidden secrets of success: Be exceptional. U are on course bro.

I am really impressed. Keep up with the good works.

In other news: Peter Rufai is looking good and younger these days. lol!

Thanks sir Icon4s and Sir Tbaba123456789...... lol
I used to and still a supporter of Arsenal fc of London (because Arsenal fcs them plenty for Russia, Argentina etc) but I lost interest in the epl and other leagues sum few years ago,it's been a while I payed or even go to a viewing centre to watch Arsenal play. Since JSS class I always don't wanna miss any Nigerian game be it male and female team even beach soccer, I do beg viewing centre owners to show Nigerian matches but many do turn me down even the 2014 Fa cup final between Enyimba and Lobi stars I begged but they didn't show it.
also in 2014 just before my first semester ND 2 exams I watched the u20 women's world cup final match between Germany and Nigeria the midnight which I had exams the following morning it was a loss for Asisat Oshoala and her mates n Nigerians as well but I was consoled by their performance into the exam hall thankfully I had no carryover.

so to me as a Nigerian nothing beats our own thing if its not naija league den it's not making sense. I try and encourage friends to go to stadium to see our local league teams play but many don't heed, well they can keep their Epl I will follow my NPFL and NNL.

Right from primary school I wished I could become a footballer but not an outfield player but as a goalkeeper cuz I am exceptional at that but u know our parents na, if u no be doctor u better be an engineer my dad n mum saw me as an unserious boy they didn't really give me the go ahead they always say: ko mor ju boolu lor, I.e na only ball I know so meeting Rufai is like meeting a mentor n role model.

Thanks for the Advice sir Icon4s I appreciate and also for the compliment sir tbaba1234 I have a dream and plan for the NNL and NPFL even for the National teams as a broadcaster but it's close to my chest.

Only we can build our house ourselves not the oyinbos, when our own league had good followers hip and fan Base in the 80s and 90s the epl was having crowd and hooliganism problems, they didn't wait for Nigeria to help them rebuild their league rather they did it themselves, the same applies to we as lovers of the NPFL and The NNL only we can rebuild our league by going to the stadia and also shunning violence

Wilfred Ndidi says his soldier father never wanted him to play football so he was happy when he went away on peacekeeping operations. Photograph: Frantzesco Kangaris for the Observer


Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi: ‘The other players were scared and couldn’t cope’



Nick Ames

the Guardian | Saturday 8 April 2017 21.59 BST Last modified on Sunday 9 April 2017 13.28 BST

In years to come it may seem particularly far-fetched that when Wilfred Ndidi took his early steps as a midfielder things did not quite go to plan. It was July 2015 and Ndidi, whose first six months at Genk had been spent making cameo appearances across the defence under Alex McLeish, had been repurposed by the newly arrived coach Peter Maes. A first midfield outing against OH Leuven had gone respectably; a far bigger test would come in the season’s second fixture, away at Belgium’s reigning champions, Gent, and a cocktail of pressure and inexperience took its toll on the then 18-year-old.

“I was so nervous that I couldn’t pass the ball properly,” Ndidi remembers. “I was new to the position and the coach wasn’t the kind who keeps calm, he screams a lot at every player. So I didn’t play well and he took me off at half-time. At half-time!”

The repetition is accompanied by a laugh and it is the nearest that Ndidi, modest to a fault, comes to suggesting wonder at the journey he has taken since then. That jittery performance at Gent led to a brief run of games on the bench but he made himself undroppable upon returning and, three months since joining a Leicester City side whose fortunes have swung wildly in that time, he is nearing similar status in the east Midlands.

Leicester saw in Ndidi the same things as Maes – “a lot of running and trying to win balls”, is what the player suspects – but there has already been so much more. He arrived with a reputation for scoring rarely but spectacularly; a driving run and finish in the FA Cup replay with Derby, bettered by last weekend’s thrilling long-range effort against Stoke in the league, bore that out quickly and alongside those thunderclaps has been a composure that belies his years. It may have taken the champions half a season to get over the departure of N’Golo Kanté but, in a player almost six years younger, have they now found someone who – for a relatively moderate £17m – could represent an upgrade?

It is a valid question but not the kind of talk that interests Ndidi. “I can only see myself as myself,” he says. “Whether people say I play like Kanté, or that he’s better than me, I don’t listen to them. All I want to do is play and keep improving, and it is working well at the moment – we are doing the basic things well and we try to kick on from there. I prefer to enjoy the winning mentality of the team rather than how I play or what I try to achieve.”

Ndidi is not given to grand pronouncements about the present but offers enough colour about his past to suggest where his discipline comes from. A childhood spent living in a military zone just outside Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, was hardly an archetypal footballer’s upbringing and it was sometimes an achievement to get a ball out at all. His father, a soldier who moved around frequently on peacekeeping operations in locations such as Sudan and the troubled far north of Nigeria, preferred more scholarly pursuits and his absences were to be capitalised upon rather than mourned. “I’d be happy when he went away because he never wanted me to play football,” Ndidi says. “He wanted to make sure I was at school. Whenever he went anywhere I was, like: ‘Right, I’m going to play.’”

There was a well-run setup of army teams, leading from under-10 level to a senior side, and by his mid-teens Ndidi had caught the attention of Nduka Ugbade, who had captained Nigeria to victory at what was then the Fifa Under-16 Championship in 1985 and was helping out with coaching at the barracks.

“I think what I did with him meant that I was stronger than people expected when I went into physical contact,” Ndidi explains of a regime that sounds punishing but was presumably intended to harness a talent that leapt out at Ugbade. “It wasn’t normal training, we would just keep running – there would be two pitches every time and we would have to cover them. Even when you were tired, he’d tell you to keep going. There would be three sessions a day: morning, afternoon and evening. Most of the other players didn’t come because they were scared and couldn’t cope. But he kept pushing me and pushing me, saying that I should not worry about my age and that in football you could beat anybody.”




A place at Nath Boys’ academy, among the best-regarded of Lagos’s many football schools, resulted and perhaps this is where Ugbade’s exhausting sessions bore fruit. It is easy – far too easy – to slip through the cracks as a budding footballer in Nigeria, sometimes with demeaning and dangerous results. The tiny minority that achieve the dream are fortunate but also have something that sets them apart.

When Ndidi was 16, Nath Boys entered a tournament that he says involved about 40 teams and pitted academies against senior sides from Nigeria’s Premier League. Among the scouts watching was Roland Janssen, then of Genk and now employed by Manchester United, and one particular moment from what was in effect a shop window event sticks in Ndidi’s mind.
“We were playing a team from the top division and losing 1-0 towards the end of the game,” he says. “You could tell they were much older, but we were trying to play. I was playing centre-back and passed to our midfielder, who held the ball, and I ran forward into the open space. If you remember my goal against Derby, I ran in through the middle because it was open. This time, he gave the ball back to me and then before anybody could react our striker had made a run and I played it between the two defenders. He controlled it and scored, and the whole stadium was happy because an academy team had equalised. It was a one-two up the pitch and then a pass; maybe that’s what they saw.”

It certainly sounds like some piece of initiative from a player who, back then, drew upon John Terry as a major influence for his defensive work. This was something quite different and in January 2014 Ndidi, who by now was also involved in Nigeria’s youth teams, travelled to Belgium for a month-long assessment by Genk. A contract offer followed quickly and a year later, shortly after he had turned 18, the move was formalised.

Then it was a case of taking information on board as quickly as possible. How things would have panned out had McLeish remained in charge is uncertain but under Maes the art of midfield play was boiled down to its simplest elements. At times Ndidi felt it was “like he was teaching an academy player how to become a midfielder”, with drills amounting to little more than “take it, pass, open, pass, open, pass”. Simplicity was the key to Ndidi’s conversion; he had already shown, in front of Janssen, that the decorative elements were there.

It was not the time to be flashy when, at Leicester, he was pitched straight into a side whose winter freefall was shortly to hit what seemed like terminal velocity. Claudio Ranieri sat him down in front of the tactics board before his debut, at Everton in the FA Cup, telling him to sit ahead of the back four and, most important, be himself. The manager’s sacking five weeks later came as a surprise; Ndidi had not been around to experience the highs of Ranieri’s reign – and admits he did not watch much of the title-winning campaign – but still felt the departure of the latest man to put faith in him.

“When the manager left we were all sad,” he says. “But it wasn’t a decision I could put in my head, I was sad but had to move on. We just had to pick ourselves up quickly and say: ‘Come on, we need to push harder and harder,’ because we weren’t in a good position in the league.”

The results since then, under Craig Shakespeare, speak for themselves and when Leicester step out at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon they will do so with six straight wins behind them. One of those set up Wednesday’s improbable Champions League quarter-final first leg with Atlético Madrid and Ndidi smiles at the memory of the 2-0 win over Sevilla, before which “we said to ourselves in the dressing room that we had to work like slaves”.

Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel made headlines for their performances but Ndidi – eating up the ground in a manner that Ugbade, back in Lagos, must have been proud of – was the best midfielder on view. “Working like that was the only way we could achieve [the win], so we tried all we could and everything went right,” he says. “There was never a moment when we felt safe. The only time we had some relief was after the red card [for Samir Nasri]. Then we felt: ‘OK, we can do this.’”


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Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi: ‘The other players were scared and couldn’t cope’

Leicester hope to replicate that feeling at the Estadio Vicente Calderón and ties against Spanish opposition have served Ndidi well this season. He scored twice in Europa League group stage meetings with Athletic Bilbao while still with Genk – a header and one of those trademark screamers – in further evidence that whenever the bar has been raised, he has been ready for the challenge. And although Leicester are, even on current form, rank outsiders, it is hardly as if Atlético have not been forewarned.

His adaptation at Leicester has been helped by the presence of Ahmed Musa, his international team-mate with Nigeria. Musa has not made the same impact as Ndidi despite arriving last summer with a more accomplished reputation and it may only be slightly harsh to suggest his fortunes have embodied the scattergun thinking of late-Ranieri. But it was Musa who, on the telephone, urged Ndidi to join him in England and who, when his young compatriot arrived, took care of him with simple gestures like driving him to the airport before away games.

Ndidi was “a little bit nervous” when he first set foot in Leicester’s training ground so it helped to have a friend close at hand and they will also link up in Russia next summer if Nigeria, four points clear in their qualifying group, qualify for the World Cup. A vibrant, youthful side also includes the Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi and Chelsea’s Victor Moses; Nigeria faced Senegal in London last month and were mobbed on the pitch by their supporters after drawing 1-1 at The Hive.

“They were hugging us and taking photos,” he says. “The game was a good exercise, we have a good group and we’re now just looking at what we need to do to reach the World Cup. We have to look at what’s ahead and then go for it.”

It is an attitude that, aside from that false start in Gent, has brought little other than success so far.
•This article was corrected on 8 April to reflect the fact that Wilfred Ndidi’s childhood coach was in fact called Nduka Ugbade



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Danycrusoe:


Thanks sir Icon4s and Sir Tbaba123456789...... lol
I used to and still a supporter of Arsenal fc of London (because Arsenal fcs them plenty for Russia, Argentina etc) but I lost interest in the epl and other leagues sum few years ago,it's been a while I payed or even go to a viewing centre to watch Arsenal play. Since JSS class I always don't wanna miss any Nigerian game be it male and female team even beach soccer, I do beg viewing centre owners to show Nigerian matches but many do turn me down even the 2014 Fa cup final between Enyimba and Lobi stars I begged but they didn't show it.
also in 2014 just before my first semester ND 2 exams I watched the u20 women's world cup final match between Germany and Nigeria the midnight which I had exams the following morning it was a loss for Asisat Oshoala and her mates n Nigerians as well but I was consoled by their performance into the exam hall thankfully I had no carryover.

so to me as a Nigerian nothing beats our own thing if its not naija league den it's not making sense. I try and encourage friends to go to stadium to see our local league teams play but many don't heed, well they can keep their Epl I will follow my NPFL and NNL.

Right from primary school I wished I could become a footballer but not an outfield player but as a goalkeeper cuz I am exceptional at that but u know our parents na, if u no be doctor u better be an engineer my dad n mum saw me as an unserious boy they didn't really give me the go ahead they always say: ko mor ju boolu lor, I.e na only ball I know so meeting Rufai is like meeting a mentor n role model.

Thanks for the Advice sir Icon4s I appreciate and also for the compliment sir tbaba1234 I have a dream and plan for the NNL and NPFL even for the National teams as a broadcaster but it's close to my chest.

Only we can build our house ourselves not the oyinbos, when our own league had good followers hip and fan Base in the 80s and 90s the epl was having crowd and hooliganism problems, they didn't wait for Nigeria to help them rebuild their league rather they did it themselves, the same applies to we as lovers of the NPFL and The NNL only we can rebuild our league by going to the stadia and also shunning violence

Reading this lets me know that there is hope. May all ur dreams become reality.