Wilfred Ndidi, Nigeria’s midfield enforcer and captain of Turkish club Besiktas, addressed the media at Lagoas Park Hotel on Tuesday ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming friendly match against World Cup-bound Portugal. During the pre-match press conference, Ndidi was asked about his teammates Jota Silva and Tiago Djaló, both of whom have represented Portugal at the senior level but were notably omitted from manager Roberto Martínez’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. While Ndidi praised their contributions to Besiktas, he emphasized that he has no influence over national team selections.
Silva, a dynamic winger, played a key role for Besiktas last season, scoring five goals in 23 appearances. Tiago Djaló, the club’s reliable centre-back, contributed two goals in 22 matches. Despite their strong performances for the Black Eagles, neither player has been called up to the Portuguese national team recently. Djaló last featured for Portugal in a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia in November 2024, while Silva’s most recent appearance came in a friendly against Slovenia in March 2024.
Ndidi acknowledged the quality of his Portuguese teammates, highlighting their work ethic and aggression on the pitch. “These Portuguese lads are very good, they work hard, they’re aggressive and they work very hard in training,” he told reporters. However, he stressed that his position does not allow him to recommend players for national team selection. “Unfortunately, our club didn’t win any titles this year and we weren’t able to compete as we wanted. I don’t have the power to suggest anything,” he added.
The omission of Silva and Djaló from Portugal’s World Cup squad has sparked discussions among football fans and analysts, particularly given their consistent performances at the club level. Their absence may be attributed to competition for places or tactical preferences within Martínez’s squad. Despite this, Ndidi’s comments reflect respect and camaraderie within the Besiktas dressing room, where players from different nationalities coexist and contribute to team success.
As Nigeria prepares to face Portugal in a high-stakes friendly, the focus remains on the Super Eagles’ performance and their own World Cup qualification campaign. Ndidi’s leadership and experience will be crucial as the team aims to build momentum ahead of their own 2026 World Cup journey. The match promises to be a test of strength and strategy, with both sides looking to fine-tune their preparations for the global stage.
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