Wilfred Ndidi reveals the start of friendship with Kelechi Iheanacho

The two Nigerian internationals are also club teammates, but the midfielder insists their relationship goes further back

Wilfred Ndidi says he has known Kelechi Iheanacho for almost a decade, as their friendship dates back to their academy days.

Born in Owerri, Iheanacho spent a few years with Taye Football Academy before Manchester City snapped him up in 2014, following his glorious outing for the Nigerian u-17 team. 

Ndidi followed a similar path, spending almost ten years with Nath Boys Academy before moving to Europe to join Belgian side KRC Genk in 2015.

That same year, Ndidi and Iheanacho made their Super Eagles debut after excelling for the Nigerian youth teams.

Ndidi ended up at Leicester City in January 2017 after the Foxes paid the Smurfs €17.6 million to secure him as a replacement for the departed N'golo Kante.

Iheanacho joined him at the King Power Stadium in August same year for almost €28 million to reignite a friendship that had found its roots during their Golden Eaglets days.

The two Super Eagles stars have been best friends since, and they celebrated together when Leicester City won the English FA Cup for the first time in history last year.

And Ndidi says he shares a brotherhood with Iheanacho that has stood the test of time and can only continue to grow.

“The relationship between me and Kel is very great,” the midfield dynamo told the Foxes' official website.

“It's amazing because people just thought we were team-mates, playing for Leicester and playing for the national team.

“But I’ve known Kelechi since we were in the academy, very young, so it’s not just new. We’ve been very close since we were in [Nigeria] Under-17s together. It’s been amazing having him around. I’m enjoying every moment.”

Ndidi will make his 200th appearance for Leicester City when the Foxes trade tackles with Danish side Randers FC later today, Thursday, in a UEFA Europa League knockout round clash.