Super Eagles midfielder Ndidi Wilfred has indicated his intention to arrive the national team’s camp on Monday in preparation for next weekend’s crucial 2018 World Cup qualifying game against Algeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
“We have a big game this weekend against Club Brugge and I’ve made arrangements to leave immediately after the game and I should be in Nigeria by Monday, all things being equal,” Ndidi said.
The KRC Genk of Belgium defensive midfielder spoke from Spain where he was involved in his team’s Europa League 5-3 loss against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.
The former Flying Eagles defender was on the score-sheet but his effort was ultimately futile as Aritz Aduriz’s quintuplet ensured maximum points for the La Liga side.
Reflecting on his goal, Ndidi lamented the loss and claimed he would have gladly traded his goal for a share of the points rather than go back to Belgium empty-handed.
He said: “It’s tough losing the game like that. We gave it our all but you must give credit to Athletic Bilbao too for fighting so hard for their victory. They made it difficult for us to play our normal game and deserved their win, no doubt about it.”
Ndidi has put the game behind him and is now focused on next Sunday’s game away at Club Brugge who also lost their Champions League game on Wednesday at FC Porto. Three points and two spots separate both teams in the league but the Nigerian player is upbeat about his side’s chances of getting all three points.
“Brugge are a big side and always a difficult place to go but we are playing well and full of confidence that we can do it. All we need to do is to stick to our game and ensure that we don’t panic or lose team balance. We want to finish as strongly as possible so that we can be in the Champions League spot and Brugge will not stop us,” the former Nath Academy graduate said.
Last Thursday’s game was Ndidi’s 17th of the season for Genk with two goals and three yellow cards so far.
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