Ndidi: Iheanacho reaping the reward of hard work

Wilfred Ndidi, Super Eagles midfielder, has heaped praise on Kelechi Iheanacho for his recent form, stating that it’s a derivative of rigorous work ethics. 

The 24-year-old forward has been extraordinary for Leicester City, his English Premier League (EPL) club, in the past weeks.

Iheanacho’s seven goals in four appearances for the Foxes in March earned him the English Premier League (EPL) player of the month award as well as a deal that extends his stay at King Power stadium till 2024.

Accolades have continued to pour in for the striker with Ndidi, a teammate at both club and country, also lending his voice on Iheanacho’s impressive form. 

Speaking with BBC Sport Africa, Ndidi said Iheanacho is only reaping the gains of his toil in the training ground. 

The midfielder also noted that the encouragement will reinforce the striker’s confidence to achieve even greater exploits. 

“He’s a happy guy and Kelechi is only now enjoying a deserving reward for his tireless hard work,” he said.

“When you get a rhythm of games and the support of your coach, teammates and fans it can only get better.

“This latest chapter is going to give him the belief and confidence that he is a really important player for his club and country.”

Ndidi added that while onlookers lost faith in Iheanacho during troubled times, he never wavered in his belief in the player he has known since the national team youth setting. 

“He was unfairly criticised and judged by different people. This is someone I have known from our youth days at the under-17s and I know his quality, so it’s not a fluke that he is producing his best football again,” he added.

“I am very happy for him because he’s doing wonderfully well now and everyone can see.

“It’s just sad that when he needed encouragement in the past few years many were quick to write him off, but thankfully some of these people have now turned around to praise him. That’s life,” Ndidi said.

“I know and hope that he will continue to deliver for us. I never doubted him and I know he will bring more goals and performance that will continue to elevate him.”

Since signing for the Foxes in 2017, Iheanacho has contributed to 49 goals — 32 goals and 17 assists — in 118 appearances. 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently described him as a joy to watch.