Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has been handed a massive boost before his squad announcement for the internationals this summer, with captain Wilfred Ndidi returning to action for his Turkish club Besiktas on Thursday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

Before today's Turkish Cup quarterfinal clash with Alanyaspor, Ndidi had been inactive following the hamstring injury he sustained during the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce on April 5.

During this period, Ndidi missed the Super Lig games against Antalyaspor and Samsunspor.

On his return, Ndidi went straight into the starting line-up, completing the full match in an emphatic 3–0 win.

El Bilal Touré gave the Black Eagles an early lead in the 17th minute, but it was not until the closing stages that the advantage grew, with Hyeon-gyu Oh striking in the 83rd minute before Orkun Kökçü wrapped things up shortly after.

Ndidi’s return to fitness will be music to the ears of Eric Chelle, who is expected to count on the former Leicester City midfielder for the glamour friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June.

Before the matches against the European opposition, the Super Eagles will compete in the 2026 Unity Cup, where they are scheduled to meet Zimbabwe and either Jamaica or India at The Valley.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel