Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has received a major boost ahead of the upcoming international fixtures, with captain Wilfred Ndidi making a successful return to action for Turkish club Besiktas in a 3-0 Turkish Cup quarterfinal victory over Alanyaspor on Thursday evening. The midfielder, who had been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce on April 5, started the match and played the full 90 minutes, marking a significant step in his recovery. His return comes at a crucial time as Chelle prepares to name his squad for the highly anticipated friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June.
Ndidi’s absence had been felt during Besiktas’ recent Super Lig matches, as he missed games against Antalyaspor and Samsunspor. His comeback was timely and impactful, contributing to a dominant performance by the Black Eagles. The match began with El Bilal Touré opening the scoring in the 17th minute, setting the tone for the home side. Although the lead remained narrow for much of the game, the team sealed the win in the closing stages, with Hyeon-gyu Oh netting in the 83rd minute and Orkun Kökçü adding the third shortly after.
The performance not only showcased Besiktas’ strength in the cup competition but also signaled Ndidi’s readiness to rejoin Nigeria’s squad. As a key figure in the Super Eagles’ midfield, his fitness and form are critical for the team’s ambitions. Eric Chelle, who is set to finalize his squad for the June friendlies, will likely rely heavily on Ndidi’s experience and leadership, especially in high-profile matches against European opponents.
Before facing Poland and Portugal, Nigeria will also participate in the 2026 Unity Cup, where they are scheduled to play Zimbabwe and either Jamaica or India at The Valley. This tournament offers valuable preparation and competitive minutes for the squad, with Ndidi’s return adding depth and stability to the midfield. His presence is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s chances in both the Unity Cup and the upcoming friendlies.
Ndidi’s return to full fitness is a positive development for Nigerian football fans and the national team management. As the Super Eagles aim to build momentum ahead of future competitions, his consistent performances will be vital. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining his match fitness and readiness for international duty.
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