By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Turkish giants Beşiktaş have confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has returned to Istanbul for treatment after picking up an injury in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9.
Ndidi, who captained Nigeria from the start, was forced off around the 70th minute of the World Cup qualifier, handing the armband to Alex Iwobi before being replaced by Crystal Palace new signing Christantus Uche.
In a statement released Wednesday, Beşiktaş said medical tests at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital revealed a strain and bleeding in the posterior thigh muscle (semimembranosus). The club’s medical team has since begun treatment.
The Black Eagles did not provide a timeline for the 27-year-old’s recovery but confirmed he is expected to miss Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig clash at home against İstanbul Başakşehir.
Ndidi only joined Beşiktaş last month on a three-year deal after leaving Leicester City, with the club holding an option to extend the contract until 2029. Since arriving, he has been a mainstay in manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s midfield, starting all four league matches available and clocking 340 minutes.
His setback is also a concern for Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, who will soon name his squad for October’s decisive World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. The Super Eagles, currently third in Group C, must win both games to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.
For now, Ndidi’s focus will be on recovery, with Beşiktaş and Nigeria both sweating on the fitness of a player regarded as pivotal in midfield battles.
