Thursday, December 19, 2024

Ndidi ready to face Southampton after Nigeria’s Libya problems

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Wilfred Ndidi is ready to face Southampton on Saturday after his ordeal with Nigeria in Libya this week.

The midfielder was part of the Nigeria squad who were left at Al Abraq airport for 16 hours before their Africa Cup of Nations game with Libya.

The Super Eagles decided to boycott the match, which was scheduled to be played on Tuesday evening, after being stranded at the airport when their plane was diverted there on Sunday.

After being kept at the terminal building, about 230km (143 miles) away from their intended destination of Benghazi, the squad flew back home and arrived in Kano on Monday afternoon.

Of Ndidi, Foxes boss Steve Cooper said: “He is fine – that’s the most important thing. He is back with us and safe and well. We were in close contact with him throughout the situation and he kept us updated.

“Thankfully the situation got resolved. He was back with us soon after and has trained since. He is in a safe place and that includes the mental side of it as well.

“He is more than happy to get back to business as usual. He trained yesterday and will train today and will be ready for the game at the weekend.”

The Foxes go to St Mary’s in the Premier League looking to build on their first win of the season against Bournemouth before the international break.

“Pressure doesn’t mean negativity,” Cooper added. “It’s exciting as it means you are striving for something and want to achieve something. We are motivated to create good days, striving to become the team we are going to be.

“When we get it right, it will be exciting. We have to make it happen and we’re in control of that.”

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