For Nigerians in need of some entertainment, Premier League football is a go-to option. The world’s biggest domestic league has also featured some of Nigeria’s most famous stars over the years, from Nwankwo Kanu at Arsenal to Jay Jay Okocha at Bolton.
Nowadays, two of Nigeria’s most talented players, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, are turning out for Leicester City, a side that has gone from winning a remarkable 2015/16 Premier League title to facing the very real prospect of dropping into the Championship come the end of the season. For both Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, that potential outcome would be disastrous for both of their careers, with the striker and the defensive midfielder undoubtedly aiming to stay in the Premier League for the foreseeable future and make an impact at international level with the Super Eagles.
Leicester City’s demise has been pretty remarkable overall. Not many pundits and experts alike had the Foxes as genuine relegation contenders at the beginning of the campaign, but numerous issues have contributed to their evident decline. Leicester have gone from potential top-four challengers to relegation fodder in less than a year, resulting in former manager Brendan Rodgers getting the chop and huge concerns from the fans surfacing after a distinct lack of investment in the team in recent times. With rumours suggesting that the current owners are looking to sell the club, the notable rise that Leicester were illustrating appears to have hit a period of decline, with Foxes fans voicing their concerns, betting sites showing that the club are 6/4 to be relegated, and a somewhat underwhelming appointment of Dean Smith as manager until the end of the season. Leicester certainly aren’t the club that both Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi joined all those years ago, that’s for sure.
Both players would surely attract interest
Should Leicester find themselves in the Championship next season, it would appear as though the chances of keeping quality players in the shape of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi would be slim. Alongside the likes of James Maddison, both players have the ability to shine in the Premier League after proving their ability over the years. If a side is in need of a versatile frontman with an eye for goal, then Iheanacho certainly fits the bill. Likewise, while injuries have hampered his career in recent times, Wilfred Ndidi’s reputation appears to be solid still. The holding midfielder has been linked with major clubs in the past, and at the age of 26, he has his peak years ahead of him. If they go down, Leicester City’s star Nigerian duo surely won’t be joining them.
The Super Eagles need both players at their best
(Image via https://twitter.com/ades36000)
Given their importance to the Super Eagles setup, it would be detrimental to the national team’s chances should both Iheanacho and Ndidi find themselves vying for Championship promotion instead of playing against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah in European football’s biggest domestic league. As such, it’s hugely important that both players remain at the highest level or the reduced competition they face on a weekly basis could hinder their chances of success with the national team. Of course, both players have the ability to leave Leicester as we’ve mentioned, but it’s not uncommon for players to remain at a club despite relegation, particularly if they’re tied down on a long contract or the selling club in question simply doesn’t receive a suitable offer for the player.
Conclusion
Whatever the outcome this season, to increase Nigeria’s chances of success in the future – and for the good of their careers – it appears as though both Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi need to leave Leicester City, a club on the decline, for pastures new in the summer.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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