‘Come, play for Nigeria’ – Ndidi urges Besiktas mate to choose Super Eagles over Germany

Super Eagles vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi has urged his Beşiktaş teammate, German-born defender Felix Uduokhai, to switch allegiance and represent Nigeria at international level, Soccernet.ng reports.

An established centre-back with top-level experience playing for elite German clubs like 1860 Munich, Wolfsburg and Augsburg, Uduokhai will be a quality addition to the Super Eagles.

At only 28 years, the 1.93m defender could take over the baton from William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi (both 32), who are likely heading to their last appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations this year.

In a light-hearted Snapchat exchange that is circulating on social media among Nigerian football fans, Ndidi jokingly tried to woo the experienced centre-back, saying Nigeria urgently needed reinforcements at the heart of defence.

“Come and play for Nigeria. Centre-back, we want centre-back,” Ndidi said, leaning into the camera with playful insistence.

Uduokhai, laughing along, responded in Pidgin English, asking, “How much?” to play for Nigeria.

Ndidi burst into laughter and replied: “What do you mean, how much? If you want money, just don’t bother – just stay.”

“Come and play for Nigeria. We want center back.”

Wilfred Ndidi trying to convince his Beşiktaş teammate, Felix Ohis Uduokhai to choose Nigeria over Germany pic.twitter.com/rzOLH2VJGx

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Uduokhai, who last featured for Germany at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, remains eligible for Nigeria despite representing the European giants from U19 to U21 level and receiving a senior team call-up in 2020 without making an appearance.

He has previously said he is open to representing the Super Eagles ‘if the right opportunity arises.'

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Felix Uduokhai for Super Eagles: Timing, eligibility and what comes next

Even if Ndidi’s persuasive charm works, Uduokhai will not feature at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Head coach Eric Chelle has already named a 54-man provisional squad, with the defender absent from the list.

Nigeria also failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, meaning there is no immediate competitive incentive for the 1860 Munich academy product to make the switch.

Still, the connection between both players is genuine. Uduokhai joined Beşiktaş permanently this year after an initial season-long loan. Ndidi also ended his long-term association with Leicester City this summer to team up with Besiktas. Both Uduokhai and Ndidi have quickly developed a strong dressing-room rapport.

Ndidi himself is now one of the most experienced players in the national setup.

A product of the Nathaniel Boys Academy of Lagos, Ndidi has featured at multiple AFCON tournaments, was part of the squad for the 2018 World Cup.

After missing the 2023 AFCON through injury, Ndidi will look to make his impact felt when the Super Eagles chase a fourth continental title in Morocco this December.

Uduokhai’s career path is equally noteworthy. Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, he rose through 1860 Munich before earning moves to Wolfsburg, Augsburg and later Beşiktaş. He scored Germany’s winning goal against Saudi Arabia at the Tokyo Olympics and has remained a respected figure within the German system.