Ndidi’s Nigeria Open 2021 AFCON Qualifying With A Win

Internationals
13 Nov 2019
1 Minute
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi played from start to finish as Nigeria began 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a 2-1 victory over Republic of Benin in Uyo.

- Wilfred Ndidi plays 90 minutes during Nigeria’s 2-1 win against Republic of Benin on Tuesday
- Luke Thomas was an unused substitute in England Under-19s’ 4-0 triumph against Luxembourg
- A further four Foxes could be in action for their nations on Thursday

Ndidi, who dons the no.4 shirt for Nigeria, finished third at 2019’s AFCON tournament, beating Tunisia 1-0 in a third-place play-off in the summer.  

On Tuesday, Stéphane Sessègnon, formerly of West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland, opened the scoring with just five minutes on the clock at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, before Lille’s Victor Osimhen levelled from the spot on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, Lille forward Samuel Kalu put Ndidi’s nation ahead on 63 minutes, ultimately sealing all three points in Group L.

On Sunday, meanwhile, the Super Eagles will continue their 2021 AFCON qualifying campaign with an encounter with Lesotho at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.

Ben Chilwell will aim to make his 10th senior appearance for England over the international break.

Elsewhere, young defender Luke Thomas was unused from the bench during England Under-19s’ 4-0 victory over Luxembourg Under-19s at Gjorče Petrov Stadium in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Two goals from Bobby Duncan, and efforts from Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Xavier Amaechi sealed a triumph in their Group 11 opener in UEFA 2019 U19 European Championships qualifying.

Thomas’ nation next face North Macedonia Under-19s on Saturday at Petar Miloševski Training Centre, before taking on Bosnia & Herzegovina Under-19s three days later back at Gjorče Petrov Stadium.

Daily updates of the Club’s international stars will be provided on LCFC.com and the Club’s social channels.