Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has spoken candidly about the immense influence former Nigerian international Mikel Obi had on his career, revealing that Mikel has been a significant source of inspiration throughout his football journey.
In a recent interview with the Premier League’s official YouTube channel, Ndidi shared his admiration for Mikel, noting how the ex-Chelsea star’s presence in the Premier League and his choice to wear the iconic number 12 jersey left a lasting impact on him. Ndidi, who currently plays for Leicester City, confessed that his initial desire to wear the number 12 shirt stemmed from Mikel’s influence, as he looked up to him during his formative years as a footballer.
“It was Mikel Obi. He was the one who inspired me,” Ndidi recalled. “I used to be a central defender, but I was so in love with Mikel. When I was younger, I wanted the number twelve shirt because of Mikel at Chelsea. Also, he was in the Premier League, so yeah.” The 27-year-old midfielder went on to explain how, over time, his admiration for Mikel turned into a deep appreciation for the skill set and leadership qualities that Mikel demonstrated both on and off the pitch.
Having now established himself as a key player in the Premier League, Ndidi admitted that stepping into a similar role to that of his idol Mikel was a surreal experience. “As a player in the same role now, and in the Premier League, I feel so good,” he said. The Nigerian footballer also emphasized how the support for Nigerian footballers back home is overwhelming, noting the high intensity and passion with which fans watch the Premier League.
“They’re so aggressive, and they show a lot of intensity in watching the league, but it’s amazing,” Ndidi added, reflecting on the widespread admiration for Nigerian players and the pride Nigerians take in their representation on the global football stage.
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