Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has expressed gratitude to his former grassroots coach, Nduka Ugbade, by gifting him a sport utility vehicle (SUV) as a token of appreciation for his role in shaping his football career.
In a heartwarming moment captured on video, the 28-year-old Ndidi embraced a visibly emotional Ugbade before presenting him with the car. The gesture was part of Ndidi’s tribute to the man he credits with helping develop his early potential.
“This is just a way to say thank you,” Ndidi said, acknowledging Ugbade’s significant influence on his journey to becoming a professional footballer.
Nduka Ugbade, 55, is a former Nigerian international who played a vital role in the country’s historic victory at the inaugural FIFA U-17 World Cup in China in 1985. Nigeria defeated West Germany 2–0 in the final, making history as the first nation to win the tournament, then known as the Kodak FIFA U-16 World Championship.
Ugbade went on to play for Nigeria at various age levels, scoring once in six U-17 matches and appearing six more times at U-20 level. He also made five appearances for the Super Eagles before retiring from professional football in 2003. He has since pursued a coaching career, leading several local clubs and national youth teams.
Most recently, he coached Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria. The team played four matches under his leadership before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Burkina Faso.
Ndidi, meanwhile, has established himself as a key player for both Leicester City and the Nigerian national team. Since joining Leicester from Belgian side Genk in January 2017, he has made 303 appearances, contributing 18 goals and 22 assists across all competitions.
Despite Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2024–2025 season, Ndidi remained a standout performer. He played 30 matches during the season, recording five assists and scoring once in the League Cup.
The midfielder’s gesture has been widely praised as a rare example of humility and appreciation in professional sports.
