Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has returned to first-team training at Besiktas after burying his father in Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ndidi’s father, Sunday Ndidi, tragically passed away following a car accident in Agbor, Delta State, three weeks ago.
Throughout this difficult period, Besiktas has shown immense support for the Super Eagles star.
Following the news of his loss, the club even paid tribute to the late Sunday Ndidi by sharing a memorial video on the stadium screens during their subsequent match.
The club granted the midfielder leave to travel to Nigeria last week for the funeral. The Super Eagles captain was spotted in Delta State alongside family members as he laid his father to rest.
Immediately following the ceremony, the former Leicester City man returned to Turkey to resume his duties.
Ndidi was seen training with his teammates at the BJK Nevzat Demir Facilities on Wednesday.
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The club shared images of the session with the caption: “Preparations for the Göztepe match are ongoing.” Judging by the photos, the 29-year-old looked sharp and ready for a competitive return.
Besiktas Relying on Wilfred Ndidi for Crucial Göztepe Clash
Besiktas are set to host Göztepe at the Tüpraş Stadium this Sunday in one of the most anticipated Süper Lig fixtures of the weekend.
The stakes are high, as only one point separates the two sides. Göztepe currently sits in fourth place with 41 points after 22 matches.
The Black Eagles, however, will be disappointed with their current league standing and must start securing wins to keep their European qualification hopes alive.
Securing a victory will be a daunting task. Their opponents, Göz-Göz, boast the best defensive record in Turkey—a feat attributed to their compact setup and the presence of talented defensive midfielders like Anthony Dennis and Novatus Miroshi.
Ndidi certainly has his work cut out for him. He will be expected to stamp his authority on the midfield to prevent his side from being overrun.
Having missed the first leg where Besiktas were thrashed 3-0—the Super Eagles star will be desperate to make a definitive difference this time around.
