Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was involved in Leicester City’s 4-2 loss to Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the English FA Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coach Enzo Maresca named Ndidi in the starting eleven and dropped Iheanacho to the bench despite the Nigerian striker’s knack for scoring important goals in the FA Cup.
Leicester City started well, but they failed to create good chances in the opening embers of the game. Chelsea soon grew into the game, and they broke the deadlock through Marc Cucurella in the 13th minute. Raheem Sterling could have doubled the lead from the spot in the 26th minute, but his kick was saved. Nonetheless, Cole Palmer was on hand to save his blushes in the 45th minute, making it 2-0.
Despite Leicester City’s struggles, Ndidi had a good game. And he was key in his side’s resurgence in the second half because of his work rate. The Foxes drew level 17 minutes into the half, with Axel Disasi scoring an own goal and Stephy Mavididi scoring a beautiful curler.
Unfortunately for Leicester City, Callum Doyle was sent off in the 72nd minute after a foul. That changed the complexion of the game, and Ndidi was taken off for Conor Coady. He registered 35 touches, four tackles, seven successful duels, and one interception.
Eventually, it ended 4-2 for Chelsea after goals from Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke. Iheanacho did not feature at all in the game.
Meanwhile, in Netherlands, Chuba Akpom got off the bench to help Ajax claim a point from a losing position at Sparta Rotterdam.
A brace from Arno Verschueren gave Sparta Rotterdam a good lead, but Akpom, who was introduced into the game in the 56th minute for Jordan Henderson, sparked Ajax’s revival.
The Nigerian forward pulled one back for Ajax in the 65th minute and assisted the second in the 88th minute. Eventually, it ended 2-2 at the Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel.
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