Besiktas have confirmed that Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi sustained a thigh muscle strain while on international duty with Nigeria during Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, Bold Sports reports.
Ndidi, who captained the side in the previous game against Rwanda, started against the Bafana Bafana but was forced off in the 70th minute after picking up the injury. He was replaced by Chrisantus Uche as Nigeria settled for a disappointing 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein.
The Super Lig club provided an update on Thursday morning, revealing that the midfielder, who joined them this summer, had returned to Turkey for further checks and treatment.
“Our player, Wilfred Ndidi, who was unable to play due to an injury sustained during the Nigerian national team’s match against South Africa, has returned to Turkey,” Besiktas said in an official statement.
More Read
“An evaluation and MRI performed at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital revealed a strain and bleeding in the posterior thigh muscle (semimembranosus). Our medical team has begun treatment for our player.”
The club did not specify a timeline for his recovery, but reports from Turkey suggest that he could be out for three to four games. Meanwhile, Besiktas will return to action against İstanbul Başakşehir on Saturday as they look to bounce back from their previous league defeat to Alanyaspor.
Ndidi’s setback adds to Nigeria’s growing injury concerns, with Victor Osimhen sidelined by an ankle ligament sprain, Ola Aina forced off early against South Africa, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali revealing that he played through pain in both recent qualifiers.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
