Photo Credit: CAF/Instagram
There is leadership, and then there is the Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi brand of leadership. Just before the Super Eagles took on Mozambique, the heavens opened up, leaving the mascots exposed to a heavy downpour. Without a second thought, our captain stepped in; in a move that immediately melted hearts across the TL, Ndidi took the Nigerian pennant and held it over his young mascot’s head, using it as a makeshift shield against the rain. It was a small, unscripted gesture that spoke volumes about the “Big Brother” energy in this current squad.
That protective energy clearly translated onto the pitch, as the Super Eagles went on to weather the storm in more ways than one. Inspired by their captain’s poise, the team delivered a clinical performance, routing Mozambique 4-0. Goals from the ever-reliable Ademola Lookman and a brace from Victor Osimhen ensured that the night was as dominant as it was heartwarming. By the time Akor Adams netted the fourth, it was clear that the Mambas were no match for a side playing with this much heart and soul.
While the stats will show a clean sheet and a ticket to the quarter-finals, the real highlight for us was that “pennant-as-an-umbrella” moment. It reminded us that even in the high-stakes pressure of AFCON 2026, there is always room for a bit of chivalry and kindness.
