Wilfred Ndidi made his first appearance for Besiktas on Sunday evening, a new chapter in his career following his summer switch from Leicester City, Footynaija.com reports.
Ndidi joined Besiktas from Leicester City this summer after snubbing a late bid from Spanish La Liga campaigners Valencia.
The Nigerian midfielder was handed a starting role by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Turkish giants’ 2-1 victory over Eyupspor at Besiktas Park.
Ndidi looked sharp in his 69 minutes on the pitch, before being forced off with what initially appeared to be a worrying injury. The Super Eagles vice-captain had been heavily involved in midfield, recording 42 touches, completing 86% of his 36 passes, and winning four of his 10 duels. He also produced two crucial tackles and two clearances while losing possession only five times.
His performance was a reminder of his combative qualities, but fans were briefly alarmed when he went down clutching his leg midway through the second half.
Solskjaer replaced him with Demir Ege Tıknaz after medical attention on the pitch.
With Nigeria preparing for critical World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa next month, the sight of Ndidi limping off could have unsettled head coach Eric Chelle. However, the midfielder quickly reassured supporters that there was no cause for concern.
“It’s not a serious situation. It was a cramp during the match. I thought it might happen around the 60-70 minute mark,” Ndidi told reporters. “Such situations can occur in the first games of the season, but it’s nothing serious.”
Despite his confidence, Besiktas’ medical team is expected to run precautionary tests in the coming days.
Nigeria will face Rwanda in Uyo on 6 September before travelling to Bloemfontein for a decisive clash with South Africa three days later.