Why the New Super Eagles Head Coach Must Reconsider Relying on Wilfred Ndidi in the Defensive Midfield Position

Why the New Super Eagles Head Coach Must Reconsider Relying on Wilfred Ndidi in the Defensive Midfield Position 
As the new head coach of the Super Eagles, a critical decision will be whether or not to continue depending on Wilfred Ndidi in the defensive midfield role. While Ndidi has been a valuable asset to the team in the past, the reality is that he is no longer the same player he once was due to the effects of ageing and changes in his playing style.

🔴 Ageing and Reduced Pace
At 27, Ndidi is no longer at the peak of his powers. His ability to maintain the relentless pace required in the midfield, particularly in high-intensity games, has noticeably diminished. His stamina and sharpness in the deep-lying midfield role have been compromised, and this was glaring in recent outings.

⚽ Leicester City’s Shift
Even his club, Leicester City, has recognized this decline, as they’ve shifted him out of his traditional role as a combative, ball-winning midfielder. Instead, Ndidi has been deployed further up the pitch, playing in a more advanced role, as Leicester seeks to preserve his energy and adapt to his changing capabilities.

🇳🇬 Struggles Against Benin Republic in AFCON Qualifiers
One of the most significant recent examples of Ndidi’s struggle in midfield was during the Super Eagles' encounter with Benin Republic in the last AFCON qualifiers. Ndidi struggled to assert himself in the midfield, and the Benin Republic side completely overran the Eagles in this crucial area of the pitch. Their relentless pressure exposed gaps in our midfield that Ndidi could not cover, and it left the team vulnerable in transitions.

⚠️ Consequences of Ignoring This Issue
If the new head coach fails to recognize this shift in Ndidi's effectiveness and persists in deploying him in a defensive midfield role, the consequences could be dire. Not only will the team continue to be overrun in key matches, but we also risk jeopardizing our World Cup qualifiers.

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