The Super Eagles camp in Cairo, Egypt, was filled with celebration as players honoured midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on his 29th birthday. The festivities came with a significant backdrop: Ndidi is poised to be officially confirmed as the new captain of the Nigerian national team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
A Birthday Celebration Amidst Captaincy News
Ndidi marked his birthday on December 16, 2025, while the team prepared for a friendly match against Egypt. The Besiktas star took to Instagram to express his gratitude, posting: “Grateful for the year that passed and for the ones to come.” The sentiment was echoed by a host of current and former teammates who flooded his page with birthday wishes.
Among those sending congratulations were Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, Frank Onyeka, and Kelechi Iheanacho. Notably, former captain William Troost-Ekong also congratulated his successor. Content creator Craze Clown added to the captaincy speculation by referring to Ndidi as “skippo” in his birthday message.
Ndidi's Journey to the Armband
The transition in leadership follows Troost-Ekong's international retirement before the continental tournament. According to reports, head coach Eric Chelle has approved Ndidi as the new captain, with Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi slated to serve as his assistants.
Ndidi's appointment is seen as a triumph for Nigeria's youth development system. He is a product of that pipeline and has represented the country at multiple levels. His senior team journey began with a debut in October 2015 in a friendly against DR Congo, and he has since earned over 70 caps.
He stands as one of the squad's most experienced figures. Alongside Alex Iwobi and Francis Uzoho, Ndidi is one of only three players in the AFCON 2025 squad who featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup for Nigeria. His club career recently saw a move to Turkish giants Besiktas after his contract with Leicester City expired.
Preparations for Morocco 2025 Intensify
The birthday celebrations were a brief respite from the team's serious preparations. Nigeria's only scheduled friendly before AFCON 2025 is against Egypt on Monday, December 16, 2025, at 7 pm. The match, initially planned as an international fixture, was adjusted to a preparation game after a one-day postponement due to FIFA regulations.
As the team gears up for the tournament in Morocco, the confirmation of Ndidi's captaincy is expected to bring stability and leadership. His rise from a youth prospect to the team's leader encapsulates a story of persistence and dedication to the national jersey.
Off the pitch, Ndidi is known for his family life. He has been married to medical doctor and entrepreneur Chidinma Fortune since 2019, and they have a daughter together. In a previous display of affection, he famously gifted his wife a ₦300 million Bentley Bentayga for her birthday.
