Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has gifted his former grassroots coach, Nduka Ugbade, a brand-new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in a heartwarming show of gratitude.
The emotional moment, captured on video, showed Ndidi, 28, embracing a visibly moved Ugbade before handing over the keys to the vehicle. The Leicester City star described the gesture as a token of appreciation for the role Ugbade played in shaping his football career.
“This is just my little way of saying thank you to a man who believed in me when I was still finding my feet. Coach Ugbade has been a huge influence in my journey,” Ndidi said.
Nduka Ugbade, 55, is a respected figure in Nigerian football history. He was part of the historic Nigerian team that won the maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985, then known as the Kodak FIFA U-16 World Tournament, after defeating West Germany 2-0 in the final held in China.
Following his playing career, Ugbade transitioned into coaching, managing various domestic teams and age-grade national sides. In 2023, he led the Golden Eaglets during the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, where Nigeria exited in the quarter-finals after a loss to Burkina Faso.
Wilfred Ndidi, who recently experienced relegation with Leicester City to the English Championship after the 2024/2025 season, has continued to make a name for himself in both club and international football. Since joining the Foxes from Belgian side Genk in 2017, he has made 303 appearances, scored 18 goals, and provided 22 assists across all competitions.
In the just-concluded season, Ndidi featured in 30 matches, scoring once in the League Cup and contributing five assists in the Premier League.
The touching gesture has earned praise from fans and football stakeholders alike, who lauded Ndidi for honoring a mentor who played a key role in his rise to stardom.
