Should Eric Chelle be worried? Ndidi provides update on injury suffered on Besiktas debut

Wilfred Ndidi has offered reassurance over the injury that forced him off on his debut for Turkish giants Besiktas in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Eyupspor at Besiktas Park on Sunday night.

The Nigeria international pulled on a Besiktas shirt for the first time since sealing a move from Championship side Leicester City ten days ago, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær handing the midfielder a starting berth against the Eyupspor.

However, with 20 minutes left to play, Solskjær was forced into a change as Ndidi, who had gone to ground in the 69th minute clutching his leg, could not continue despite receiving on-pitch treatment. 

The sight of the Super Eagles vice-captain limping off will have raised concern for Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, with crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa looming next month.

But the Nath Boys academy graduate was quick to ease fears after the match, insisting the problem was only minor.

"It's not a serious situation. It was a cramp during the match. I thought it might happen around the 60-70 minute mark," Ndidi told reporters. 

"Such situations can occur in the first games of the season, but it’s nothing serious."

Although Ndidi has downplayed the incident, he is expected to undergo tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury.

Nigeria, who trail group leaders South Africa by six points, will host Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before travelling to Bloemfontein for a decisive clash with Bafana Bafana on September 9.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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