Ndidi speaks on Europa League goal [Video]

Super Eagles defensive midfielder Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi served notice of what to expect when the national team files out against Algeria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier when he stunned hard-fighting Athletic Bilbao with an 83rd minute back-breaking goal to assure all three points for his Belgian first division club KRC Genk on Thursday night.

And in an exclusive chat from his Belgium base, the 19-year old former Flying Eagles ace relived the goal which broke the resistance of the Spaniards.

 
“I’am happy to score that goal at such an important stage of the game. We were leading 1-0 but the Spaniards mounted relentless pressure on us and threatened to score with each attack. We needed to push them back so I stepped up further afield when we had a chance to counterattack. The ball went out to the right but somehow I sensed it was going to come back towards the middle in their half of the pitch so I stayed at the edge of their 18-yard box. Luckily the ball was headed out by the Athletic defender and it fell towards me so I struck it hard. I knew it was going to end in the net and it was a huge relief for us and the fans were also happy about it.”

 
[Click to watch video of the goal below]

 
The goal bears striking resemblance to the goal Ndidi scored last season against Club Brugge which was voted Goal Of the season. Could this strike also be up for an award?

Ndidi said: “I don’t go out to play looking for awards or personal glory but to help the team win. That’s why I’m here and I’m pleased to do just that. If awards come, I will be happy but that’s not the only reason for playing.”

The former Nath Boys of Lagos player also took time to talk about the game against Algeria and reckons the Super Eagles are as good as the Algerians even if the North Africans are rated higher.

 
“When we play them, it will boil down to 11 against 11 and the rankings won’t matter for 90minutes. We will play without fear and we have players with the talent and determination to win. We know the expectations of our fans are high but we are going to give it our everything and come out victorious,” he concluded.

The goal was Ndidi’s first in his 13th game of the season.