'Myself included' - Steve Cooper reveals Leicester were in close contact with Ndidi throughout Libya ordeal

Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference before his side's trip to Southampton in the Premier League, manager Steve Cooper revealed that Leicester City remained in constant communication with Wilfred Ndidi throughout the Super Eagles' ordeal in Libya.  

Ndidi is now back in England and has already resumed training with his teammates ahead of Saturday's clash at the St Mary's Stadium.

The Nigeria national team travelled to Libya for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match that was due to hold in Benghazi, but instead of reaching the venue of the game, their flight was diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq, a distance of around 150 miles.

Ndidi and his Super Eagles teammates were left stranded at the airport for more than sixteen hours until the Nigerian government stepped in and arranged for the players and officials to return to Abuja.

Although the return leg against Libya was boycotted by Nigeria, the central midfielder is not lacking match fitness, considering the fact that he started and was in action for 74 minutes in the first leg in Uyo six days ago. 

In quotes relayed by The BBC, Cooper said: "He is fine, that’s the most important thing. He is back with us and safe and well. We were in close contact with him throughout the situation and he kept us updated.

"Everyone was in contact, myself included, and thankfully the situation got resolved. He was back with us soon after and has trained since. He is in a safe place and that includes the mental side of it as well.

"He is more than happy to get back to business as usual. He trained yesterday and will train today and will be ready for the game at the weekend."

Ndidi has been one of the key players for Leicester City since the start of the season, registering four assists in his last five matches in the Premier League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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