EXCLUSIVE Ndidi for Mozzart Sport Kenya: John Obi Mikel is an inspiration for me
Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 06.03.21. | 08:49
Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi, the much-praised defensive midfielder of Leicester City, talks to us about his role-model, the club's ambitions and gives a piece of essential advice to young African boys who dream of becoming football stars in the future
One day you're a kid playing football barefoot in the outskirts of some big city trying to impersonate your idol; the next day, you are playing for the national team, substituting your very hero on the pitch.
It doesn't sound too real, does it? But that's precisely what happened to outstanding Nigerian defensive midfielder Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi. The 24-year-old Leicester City star grew up adoring John Obi Mikel before becoming his teammate in the Super Eagles' shirt. In an exclusive interview for Mozzart Sport Kenya Ndidi reveals that the former Chelsea's go-to guy was his long-time favourite.
Don't let anything distract you from the fact that John Obi Mikel is greater than Messi: international Trophy wise pic.twitter.com/LgVj7M7mSu
— S_Deen IBN Idris ⌚ (@Real_Simk36) September 9, 2020
"While growing up, my idol was John Obi Mikel. He is massive in Nigeria. I always look up to him. He was an inspiration for us," he points out, trying to explain the difference between Africa and Europe, where he and Obi Mikel reached their peak.
"The way we grew up in Africa, the way we train is so much different from the European style. We bring that to Europe and, here, we add the experience, the ideas of the game to it. It's just like downloading whole that into an African player. When you get the idea of the game, it actually helps your game. It means a lot for young African players to see they can develop themselves more than there. That's that impact.
With that said, it's inevitable to ask Brendan Rodger's man of trust what was the single most crucial thing that launched him to the heights of the top European football. Or, to be precise, what would be his advice to those youngsters dreaming of becoming 'new Ndidi' one day.
"Number one thing is, you need to keep believing in yourself because no one will believe in you if you don't do that. You have to believe in yourself and express yourself, and people will then start seeing these things.
"Growing up in Africa is so tricky; there are too many good players there, but it doesn't stop you from being among them. You just have to do your thing and work hard. My advice for young players is also this - when you play football, try not to neglect your education. Some of the guys think like this – only football, football, football. But if you have the opportunity, try to go to school and still develop your game. Sometimes it doesn't work in the game for you, so it's vital that you have something for your life," nails Ndidi, just as precise as he does with those long-range screamers of his on the pitch.
And, it's obvious, he is enjoying it thoroughly with the Foxes. The smile on his face speaks for itself.
"I am delighted, very pleased with the way this season is going. We are trying to stay on the same level to get those points. But we had too many injuries, and not mentioning it as an excuse. It isn't easy, but we just have to walk through it and get along with it. Those games are significant, and we have to give our maximum to reach those targets.
"We have our own style of football, the pace, the strength, the depth. All that comes together in our team. It's been excellent, having good players around and, of course, we have a different style for different matches, you just have to adapt. Thankfully, we have the players capable of that. And kudos to the gaffer; he is doing brilliant work, bringing the team together, and then those things come naturally. We are getting along beside football."
Cautious, yet not insincere at all, Ndidi says that their ambition, the main aim, is to get points from game to game.
"As long as you get those points, game after game, you stay high on the table. We don't think about the future for now.
"I am satisfied with myself. I try to improve myself every day at practice. I don't really think too much about the distant future. I just want to take things simple and easy, go step by step, take things gradually. If it comes, fine; if not, then I still move along and try to be myself," adds he.
And when he is not on the field with the ball, how Wilfred Ndidi's perfect day looks like?
"I spend my spare time with my family. I just relax, and that's a blessing. Sometimes I also enjoy The Playstation," smiles him at the end of the conversation for Mozzart Sport Kenya.
By: NEVEN CVIJANOVIĆ, Sport Klub TV reporter
