Super Eagles' new captain Wilfred Ndidi has shared his thoughts ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which kicks off on Sunday in Morocco. 

The Besiktas midfielder arrived in Fez with the rest of the squad on Thursday as the team enters the final phase of preparations ahead of their Group Stage opener against Tanzania on Tuesday.

Speaking on his new role as captain, Ndidi highlighted the weight of responsibility and the importance of fostering unity within the squad. 

He explained, “It's a huge responsibility and, with the help of the players I think everything will go smooth. About conversation with a couple of players, just some of the older players, you know, just try to make them understand the reason why we're here. You also need the support from the staff—we're all in this together. So we just have this conversation about the task side, you know. It is very important we all be on the same page as a great leader.”

Reflecting on the absence of former captain William Troost-Ekong, who retired from international football a few weeks before the tournament, Ndidi praised the former defender’s influence on the team. 

“He speaks a lot for the team. He stands for the team and he tries to take everything in for the team, you know, and I admire him a lot and how outspoken he is. I think he's one person where everyone in the team looks up to, you know. He’s that guy that actually stands for the team. 

“Like I said earlier, he speaks for the team, encourages everyone—you know, and he's an amazing, amazing guy. I've learned a lot from him. We also spoke a couple of weeks ago and I just be chipping in some advice from him, so I feel like he's still part of the team, you know, and he's going to be missed.”

Ndidi also addressed the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing how the team is channeling that setback into motivation for AFCON. 

“Yeah, it was a sad one, missing out on the World Cup. This is another opportunity, you know. They say another day, another opportunity. It's another chance to correct the wrongs and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians and make the country proud once again. It's not going to be an easy task, but we're really, really up for it. We know the dark side and we look forward to enjoying it together.”

The Super Eagles will kick off their AFCON campaign against Tanzania as they look to make a strong start in Morocco. 

The three-time Africa champions are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, as they seek to secure their fourth continental title on Moroccan soil.