The Leicester City midfielder has confessed that he was awed by the playing abilities of the former Super Eagles skipper while growing up.
Ndidi named former Chelsea stars Mikel John Obi and John Terry as his favourite players back when he was a youngster.
Former England captain John Terry and Trabzonspor midfield ace Mikel Obi were part of the dominant Chelsea team that won the UEFA Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League the following year.
The duo’s exploits on the domestic and international scene brought them many admirers including a young Ndidi who aimed to forge his game to mirror the football icons.
“I have always looked up to Mikel,‘ Ndidi said. ‘When he was at Chelsea, I was at Nath Boys [as a youth player] and I have always liked him as a player. I have always been crazy about Mikel. The way he plays is amazing,” Ndidi told Stock Daily Dish.
“When me and my friends talk about players, we always want to talk about Mikel. He is so important for Nigerian football.”
Ndidi began his youth career as a defender but was later moved further forward to defensive midfield where he has forged a fine career for himself. The 23-year-old is presently one of the Premier League’s best tacklers and has become a key player for both club and country.
The youngster revealed he enjoyed watching two of football’s finest stars in Terry and Brazil’s Kaka.
“I actually liked two players from outside of Nigeria [when I was younger]. Kaka and John Terry.
‘Because I was a central defender, I was watching John Terry. The way he was leading Chelsea and putting his heart into it made me like him. I liked Chelsea, with Mikel and Terry.
‘They were my favourite players, but I never dreamed of the Premier League. I just wanted to play football. Enjoy the game. For Kaka, I didn‘t watch much of him at AC Milan, but when he won the Ballon d‘Or I started to look at him.
“I followed him up and watched him more when he went to Madrid. I liked his style of play and I liked his lifestyle outside of football. Very professional.”
Wilfred Ndidi made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and has earned 35 caps.
