Ndidi Addresses if Tinubu’s $100K Reward Can Fire Super Eagles to World Cup Ticket
- Besiktas' new signing, Wilfred Ndidi, is among the 23 players in camp ahead of the forthcoming matches
- Ndidi voiced out on the national honours and cash reward given to sportsmen and women by President Bola Tinubu
- Super Eagles will face the Amavubi in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification match on Saturday, September 6
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has shared his thoughts on the largess given to excelling sportsmen and women by President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu gave the Super Falcons and D'Tigress $100k each for winning their respective Africa titles in 2025.
The two-time Lagos State governor went on to give the ladies national honours (OON) and apartments in Abuja.
Source: Getty Images
Let's qualify before talking about honours - Ndidi
Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi said the important task ahead of the Super Eagles is to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
In a viral post on X, the Leicester City legend said the players are excited about the recognition of athletes by the current government, but the team wants to cross the current hurdle before thinking of the honours and cash. He said:
"It's not the time to think about national honour because we are trying to qualify. We want to qualify first, and then go for the World Cup before thinking $100,000. For now, let's qualify."
The World Cup ticket is in our hands - Ndidi
The Super Eagles assistant captain, Wilfred Ndidi, said the players are aware of the implications if they lose the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda.
The former Nigeria U20 star explained that the players are determined and focused on grabbing the tickets. He said:
"The feeling in camp currently is good, it's good to see the guys smiling and we are all encouraged and ready for the World Cup qualifiers.
"The mentality very crucial because our chances is in our hands and we know how important they are, everyone is ready, focused and knows the position we are in. The players gave their all during training (Wednesday), it was raining but we still went on because there is no excuse.
"The team is in a difficult situation but like I said it is in our hands to qualify. Everyone is ready from the coach, technical staff and people around him; the players have been receiving a lot of support which is very good. The atmosphere is very nice here."
Source: Getty Images
Rwanda first, before South Africa - Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi said the players are unbothered about the match against South Africa.
The 28-year-old said the players want to win the match against Amavuabi on Saturday before shifting attention to the match against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, per Daily Post. He said:
"The team is not looking forward to the South Africa match yet, because the match against Rwanda is the important one in our hands. If we let this one slip, then it is over. We want to win this one before the clash against Bafana Bafana."
Nigeria are currently sitting in fourth position with seven points while Rwanda are second with eight points, per TnTSports.
Ndidi responds to angry fan
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles player Wilfred Ndidi has apologised for his role in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The English FA Cup winner emphasised that no one is above mistakes, adding that the team is sorry for the pain fans are experiencing.
Source: Legit.ng
