Wilfred Ndidi marked his first outing for Besiktas as the club edged past Eyüpspor 2-1 in a spirited season opener.
He featured in the starting XI and remained on the field for 70 minutes before being substituted for Demir Tiknaz due to a minor knock.
“The atmosphere was great. The support from our fans was fantastic. When the score was 1-1, we showed real team spirit and their backing pushed us to fight for the second goal. It was a great day, we feel fantastic,” Ndidi remarked, visibly buoyed by electronica in Istanbul .
When asked about the knock, the midfielder reassured: “It’s not a serious situation. It was just a cramp during the match. I was expecting it around the 60-70 minute mark. These kinds of things can happen in the first games of the season, but it’s nothing serious” .
Ndidi also praised his manager, noting that clear instructions and the calibre of his teammates made his role smoother. “I know what our coach wants from me. The quality of the players ahead of me made my job easier. We were able to push forward and apply pressure in attack. Once we executed the coach’s plan, things improved for us,” he added .
Editorial
We see Ndidi’s debut for Besiktas not just as a personal milestone, but as an affirmation of his enduring quality at the heart of midfield. Making your first appearance in a new league is always a pressure cooker moment, yet he delivered with composure, energy, and a visible connection with the fans.
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That cramp? Clearly no cause for concern especially when endurance in early-season matches often teases even the fittest of players. By all accounts, it did not dim the glow of a performance defined by resilience, smart positioning, and leadership that helped Besiktas seize the win.
The praise for his manager’s clarity and his teammates’ quality reveals a player comfortable in structure and expectation. When preparation and communication meet talent, it unleashes performances that energise both club and supporters. Ndidi’s debut embodied that synergy.
What matters now is continuity. If he builds on this solid foundation, Besiktas could benefit from a midfield general who blends experience with instinct. Nigeria, too, should take heart that one of its stalwarts continues to make waves abroad. In Istanbul, the Black Eagles indeed felt like home.
Did You Know?
- Wilfred Ndidi made 252 league appearances for Leicester City before his move, making him one of the club’s longest-serving midfielders.
- Besiktas reportedly activated Ndidi’s €9.5 million release clause to secure his services this summer .
- Ndidi’s debut came under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has previously managed Manchester United and known for his work with marquee talents.
- A good number of Nigerian internationals like Onuachu, Onyekuru, and Osimhen have recently moved to Turkish clubs, illustrating a growing pipeline to the Süper Lig.
- Sudden cramps are common early in new-season games as players adjust to higher tempo and physical demands, especially in unfamiliar climates like Istanbul’s .
