Wilfred Ndidi, the Nigerian international midfielder, has been appointed as the vice-captain of Turkish club Besiktas.
Besiktas, a prominent team in Turkey’s top-flight league, officially announced that Wilfred Ndidi will take on the role of vice-captain immediately, marking a new chapter in his tenure at the club.
The club’s board of directors confirmed this leadership change in a statement released on Friday, highlighting the strategic decision behind the appointment.
Ndidi will support Orkun Kokcu, the newly named captain and Turkish international, as the second-in-command. This leadership pair succeeds the former captain Necip Uysal and vice-captain Mert Gunok, who previously held these responsibilities.
Wilfred Ndidi Elevated to Besiktas Vice-Captaincy
The club elaborated on the leadership reshuffle, stating: “Following the decision by our President Serdal Island and the Board of Directors, adjustments have been made concerning the captaincy of our Football A Team.”
“Taking into account the technical staff’s recommendations and the players’ influence on the pitch, Orkun Kokcu has been appointed as the team captain, with Wilfred Ndidi stepping in as vice-captain.”
Besiktas also took the opportunity to thank Necip Uysal and Mert Gunok for their past leadership and dedication, while wishing success to Kokcu and Ndidi in their new roles.
The leadership duo is set to lead the team starting with the upcoming home fixture against Genclerbirligi S.K., who currently sit 14th in the Turkish Super Lig standings. Besiktas themselves are positioned sixth, having accumulated 13 points from seven games.
Ndidi’s transfer to Besiktas occurred during the summer transfer window, following a significant eight-and-a-half-year spell at Leicester City, where he established himself as a key defensive midfielder.