'He's doing so well' -Ndidi admits he asked Besiktas teammate why he chose Benin over Nigeria

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that he questioned Junior Olaitan about his decision to represent Benin instead of Nigeria.

Olaitan linked up with Ndidi at Besiktas in the winter transfer market, and established himself as a key player for the Istanbul club, starting twelve of the thirteen matches they've contested this season and registering an impressive six assists.

Born in Porto-Novo to a Nigerian father and Beninese mother, the attacking midfielder was eligible to represent the Super Eagles before making a cap-tying appearance for the Cheetahs in 2021.

Ndidi explained that Olaitan shared his experiences with him, helping him understand the circumstances behind his decision to represent Benin's Cheetahs. 

He told Football Fans Tribe: "You follow who knows the road. Olaitan is amazing; the boy gives me joy. Even when I spoke to him, I asked him why he quickly chose to play for Benin. He should have calmed down because of his talent.

"He just explained so many things to me, and I quickly understood the struggle coming up and no more opportunities, and he's doing so well. He's carrying the team."

Ndidi also discussed the growing number of prominent Nigerian players plying their trade in Turkey, with Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor), Gift Orban (Amedspor), Chidozie Awaziem (Konyaspor), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) currently on the books of Turkish clubs after making moves in recent seasons.

The Super Eagles captain admitted that he spoke to Osimhen before making the switch from Leicester City to Besiktas.

"Part of the reason I went there, I spoke to Victor before I went to Turkey, just to know about the Super Lig.

"The Super Lig is actually developing, and people don't really rate the league, but the league is actually coming. You see Salah and Kanté, top players as well."

Ndidi is expected to captain the Super Eagles on Friday when they face Madagascar in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel