Browsing: Wilfred Ndidi

The Nigerian midfielder was part of the main group of players to return to pre-season training last week.

Andre Zambo Anguissa caught goalkeeper Maduka Okoye napping with a ferocious grounder after latching on to William Ekong’s interception nine minutes before the break at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt.

Iheanacho, who prides himself as Africa’s all-time highest goal sorcerer in the FA Cup, led the celebrations with the Nigerian flag, while his compatriot Ndidi also joined in wrapping the flag around themselves.

Both players made major contributions in Leicester City’s cup run, culminating in the triumphant scenes at Wembley after they edged Chelsea 1-0 to claim a first ever FA Cup title for the club and the duo themselves.

The duo helped their club, Leicester City, to clinch the 2020/2021 English FA Cup title.

Both players featured in the encounter at Wembley and at the end celebrated enthusiastically with a Nigeria flag as they joined a list of only seven other Nigerian players to have lifted England’s most glamorous diadem.

Youri Tielemans scored a wonder goal and the video assistant referee (VAR) then came to the rescue for Leicester City to win the FA Cup for the first time.

Two Nigerians: Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, both starred in the gruelling match their club won

The Foxes will be taking part in their fifth final as they search for their maiden FA Cup crown, while today’s game represents Chelsea’s 15th appearance in the showpiece event as they seek a ninth triumph.

Iheanacho, 24, was overlooked by Nigeria for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals after finding himself on the fringes with the Foxes.

The Nigerian so far netted 11 Premier League goals, three goals in the UEFA Europa League and four goals in the FA Cup this season.

The Catalan giants have identified the Leicester City midfield powerhouse as an alternative for N’Golo Kante, whose €60 million valuation is unaffordable.

Iheanacho has 14 goals in 30 appearances for the Foxes this season, having netted 10 last term and just two in 2018-19.

Iheanacho scored the Foxes’ first-half equaliser against the Clarets, a first-time volley after being found by a pass from Ndidi.

The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury against Everton in January and subsequently missed their last outing against Leeds United.

Both players are set to be out for around another two weeks, during which time the Foxes will play four Premier League matches, including hosting Liverpool at the King Power Stadium, and their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Brighton.

The midfielder helped fire the Foxes to the summit following Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Leicester City, shock champions in 2016, are now ahead of previous leaders Manchester United by one point with a total of 38, while Chelsea have slipped to eighth on 29 points

The 24-year-old was a shield in front of the Foxes defence, making three interceptions and winning 10 of the duels he faced.

And the statistics back up his claims, with the England international involved in three goals (2 goals, 1 assist) in his last four appearances in the Premier League, coinciding with Ndidi’s return to action from an adductor injury.