Wilfred Ndidi Ignores Okocha, Kanu, Names Super Eagles Legend Who Inspired Him
- Wilfred Ndidi has disclosed that former Chelsea star Mikel Obi inspired him to become a professional footballer
- The Leicester City midfielder disclosed that he grew up admiring the former Super Eagles captain
- Mikel is arguably one of the finest defensive midfielders during his remarkable career, winning several titles with the London club
Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi has disclosed that former Chelsea star Mikel Obi inspired him to become a footballer.
Although Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo left indelible footprints in the English Premier League, Ndidi credited Mikel as the man who inspired him.
The Chelsea legend is arguably one of the finest defensive midfielders. During his remarkable career, he won several titles with the London club.
Source: Getty Images
With the club, he won two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League, amongst others.
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BBC reports that Mikel was also part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under Stephen Keshi.
And just like the former Chelsea star, Ndidi started his professional career in the defensive midfield role and announced himself in the Premier League.
Speaking with the Premier League YouTube channel, the Leicester City midfielder admitted that Mikel has greatly influenced his career.
Ndidi said:
"It was Mikel Obi that inspired me. I used to be a central defender. I was so in love with Mikel.
"When I was young, I wanted the number 12 shirt just because of Mikel when he was at Chelsea and also the Premier League."
The 27-year-old also expressed satisfaction playing in the English Premier League. He added, as per All Nigeria Soccer:
"It feels so good. Back home, the Premier League is so massive, and everyone wants to support Nigerian players."
Nwabali hails Jay Jay Okocha
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali named Jay Jay Okocha among his top five Nigerian footballers of all time.
Nigeria has continued to produce some of the finest football talents, who have been incredible for club and country.
Football stars from the West African country have been successful abroad, leaving indelible footprints in the English Premier League, Italian Serie A, the French Ligue 1, the German Bundesliga, the Spanish La Liga, and many others.
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Source: Legit.ng
