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The Leicester City star has revealed the primary target for Eric Chelle’s team.
Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi has revealed Nigeria's primary focus is securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rather than the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 28-year-old Leicester City midfielder who has been linked with a summer transfer, expressed the honour of representing Nigeria but stressed the importance of World Cup qualification:
"It's a privilege to represent Nigeria. It's an honour," Ndidi told Showmax Premier League.
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“Once you're called up, it's a goosebumps kind of feeling. And the games when the national team is going on, it's one thing where your family back home are really, really proud. So I think it's an amazing thing.”
He added: “But we're not thinking about AFCON right now. We're focusing on trying to qualify for the World Cup, which is the most important of the moments. And then we look forward to the AFCON."
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While the Super Eagles have successfully qualified for the 2025 AFCON, finishing as group winners alongside runners-up Benin in Group D, Ndidi’s comments reflect the team's current strategy under head coach Éric Chelle.
Super Eagles' World Cup qualification struggles
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The Super Eagles' journey to the 2026 World Cup has been challenging.
Under Chelle's leadership, Nigeria began their campaign with a victory against Rwanda but followed with a draw against Zimbabwe, leaving their qualification hopes in a precarious position.
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The Super Eagles are currently in danger of missing out of the global showpiece for a second consecutive edition.
Nigeria are fourth-placed in Group C, trailing group leaders South Africa by six points, with only four matches remaining.
In the current qualification format, only the group winners secure automatic entry to the World Cup.
The four highest-ranked second-place teams will proceed to an intercontinental playoff.
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