Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has rallied behind Nigeria’s U20 national team with a significant cash donation ahead of their crucial WAFU B U20 Championship semifinal against Niger Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, scheduled for Saturday, serves as a gateway for the Flying Eagles to secure their place at the 2025 AFCON tournament.
In a show of national support, Ndidi, who rose through the Flying Eagles ranks, has contributed N5 million to motivate the young squad.
This contribution was announced on the Nigeria Football Federation's official website, as the midfielder joined other prominent Nigerians in backing the team.
The Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, also stepped forward with a N2 million contribution, recognising the team’s performance so far in the tournament.
Frank Peters, Chairman of Crystal Sapphire Ltd, presented N1.5 million and promised an additional sum if the Flying Eagles triumph over the Niger Republic in the semifinal.
Adding to the support, football enthusiast Mr. Victor Apugo pledged N1 million and committed to contributing another N2 million should the team progress to the final.
Switzerland-based Nigerian coach, Adedeji Adeyemi Anthony, fulfilled his promise of N1 million following the Flying Eagles' victory over Côte d'Ivoire’s Young Elephants.
Mavlon FC Chairman Barrister Kenneth Agadugba has contributed N2 million and pledged a further N12 million should the team make it to the tournament’s grand finale.
Earlier in the week, a senior official from the Nigeria Football Federation contributed N1 million, while another anonymous donor offered N1.5 million to support the team’s journey.
Defending champions Nigeria secured a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Cote d'Ivoire to qualify as Group B winners and reach the semifinals of the tournament.
The Flying Eagles' match against Niger Republic kicks off at 2 pm Nigeria time on Saturday.
A win will secure them a ticket to next year’s AFCON U20 finals and a spot in the WAFU B U20 Championship final.
