Most Premier League footballers spend their spare time resting. Wilfred Ndidi went to university. While anchoring Leicester City’s midfield, the Nigerian studied business management at De Montfort University. On the pitch, he became one of the league’s most effective ball-winners and helped Leicester win the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
Early life
Ndidi was born in Lagos in 1996. His father was a soldier, and the family lived in army barracks. He played football on the streets before joining the Nath Boys Academy in Lagos.
Genk
Belgian club Genk spotted him during a tournament in Nigeria. He moved to Belgium in 2015 and quickly established himself, first as a defender and then as a defensive midfielder.
Leicester City
In January 2017, Leicester signed Ndidi to help replace N’Golo Kanté, who had left after Leicester’s title-winning season. Ndidi became a regular, known for his tackles and interceptions.
Tackling statistics
In several Premier League seasons, Ndidi made more tackles and interceptions than almost any other player. His long legs and timing made him hard to get past.
FA Cup 2021
In May 2021, Leicester beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup, with Youri Tielemans scoring. Ndidi played a key role in midfield. It was the club’s first FA Cup.
Education
Ndidi enrolled in a business management course at De Montfort University in Leicester, studying part-time. He said education was important to him and to his family.
Super Eagles
Ndidi has played for Nigeria since 2015 and was part of the squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He has been a regular in the Super Eagles midfield.
Injuries and relegation
Injuries interrupted parts of his career, and Leicester were relegated in 2023 before winning promotion back to the Premier League in 2024.
His faith
Ndidi has spoken about his Christian faith and its influence on his life.
Lagos to Leicester
His journey from army barracks in Lagos to Wembley reflects the paths many African players take through European clubs.
Off the pitch
Ndidi has kept a low profile away from football, rarely appearing in celebrity news. He has supported charitable projects in Nigeria and spoken about the value of discipline and education for young players.
Ndidi made his name stopping other players. He made a different kind of impression by sitting exams between matches.
