Exclusive: Wilfred Ndidi on Leicester’s Battle for Survival and Van Nistelrooy’s Influence

Leicester City’s return to the English Premier League was supposed to be a new dawn, a redemption arc after their shocking relegation in 2023. 

But as the Foxes now find themselves hovering dangerously close to another relegation battle, Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi stands as one of the key figures tasked with leading them to safety.  

In this exclusive interview, Ndidi opens up about Leicester’s struggles, the impact of new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, and the deep cultural roots that fuel his passion every time he steps onto the pitch.  

Lessons from the Championship: "We Don't Want to Experience That Again"

Leicester’s return to the top flight wasn’t easy. 

The grind of the Championship, gruelling midweek fixtures, relentless travel, and the constant pressure to bounce back, left its mark on the squad. But for Ndidi, those experiences have shaped a stronger, more determined Leicester team.  

"It has made us stronger because it’s difficult down there in the Championship. We knew how difficult it was, what we had to do, the travel, and the games we had to play week in and week out."

Leicester may be struggling now, but the lessons from last season remain fresh in their minds.  

"Coming up, we don’t want to experience that anymore. It has shaped us and our mindset, knowing that not every team that gets relegated comes back up immediately, they struggle. Going forward, that mentality stays with us, so we’re trying to stay focused and win games."

Van Nistelrooy’s Blueprint

Leicester’s managerial change brought uncertainty, but with Ruud van Nistelrooy now at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of direction. 

The former Manchester United striker has wasted no time implementing his vision, and Ndidi sees the shift firsthand.  

"He’s made everyone understand the direction he wants us to be in. He’s given us the plan and the push to be more confident because, having coached against us with Manchester United earlier in the season, he knows the quality in the room."

Despite the team’s dip in form, Ndidi remains optimistic.  

"He’s also helped us understand that we have to get back to the basics and just do our thing. He’s leading us based on the direction he wants us to go, and we’re heading in that direction. Slowly but steadily, we’ll get there."

Ndidi’s African Roots and Leicester’s Core Values

Inside Leicester’s dressing room, four words are written boldly on the floor; Courage, Unity, Responsibility, Respect. 

For Ndidi, these values are more than just words; they are the foundation of his upbringing.  

"It has influenced me so much. When I was young, those words were natural to me because I grew up in a military zone, and they were a strict part of my daily upbringing."

Discipline, respect, and self-belief were instilled in him from an early age, shaping the player and leader he is today.  

"No matter where you go, you have to respect people and have the courage to just be yourself."

Football Unites Nigeria Like Nothing Else

Beyond club football, Ndidi carries the weight of an entire nation’s passion every time he steps onto the field for the Super Eagles. 

Football in Nigeria is more than just a sport; it’s a unifying force, a heartbeat that brings people together.  

"In Nigeria, football actually unifies the country. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what tribe or anything. People don’t see that. As long as you just go for it, so many people gather to watch."

The love for the game runs so deep that it can even overshadow national events.  

"If Nigeria was competing in the World Cup and there was an election that day, people would want to go watch football. That’s how massive it is. It’s a cultural thing."

"Every young kid wants to play football. It actually helps people stay away from bad things. In Nigeria, football is really, really massive, and so is the support received."

Representing Nigeria on the international stage is an honor Ndidi holds close to his heart. Every time he pulls on the Super Eagles jersey, he feels the weight of 200 million people watching, hoping, and believing.  

"It’s a privilege. In Nigeria, we have over 200 million people, so coming to represent and put on the shirt is a privilege, and you will never take it for granted."

"I get goosebumps every game we play when we’re singing the national anthem. As a child, I used to watch the guys who played and see how the whole community would get quiet when the anthem was playing."

"So, for me to be there now is really amazing. There are no real words to explain the feeling when you put that jersey on."

The Road Ahead

With Leicester still fighting to stay in the Premier League and Nigeria gearing up for World Cup qualifiers, Ndidi’s focus remains unwavering. 

Whether he’s battling for points in England or representing his country on the biggest stage, one thing is certain; Wilfred Ndidi plays with heart, pride, and an unbreakable spirit.  

As Leicester seeks a turnaround and the Super Eagles chase World Cup glory, his leadership, experience, and relentless determination will be key. And through it all, he will continue to carry the hopes of millions, both in club football and for the nation he proudly represents.