Nigeria’s Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has credited former Chelsea star Mikel Obi as the inspiration behind his decision to play in midfield, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Ndidi, 27, joined Leicester City in 2017 and has since won the FA Cup, Emirates Community Shield, and EFL Championship.
Speaking to the Uncut show on the English Premier League YouTube channel, Ndidi said: "It was Mikel Obi. He inspired me. I used to be a central defender, but I was so in love with Mikel."
Ndidi revealed he even wanted Mikel's number 12 shirt at Chelsea.
As a Nigerian footballer following in Mikel's footsteps, Ndidi said: "I feel so good... Everyone back home supports their Nigerian footballers. They show intensity, but it's amazing."
By Olujimi Dare Ogun