Former Beşiktaş goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa praised Wilfred Ndidi’s impact at the Turkish club, insisting the Nigerian midfielder could be instrumental in their push for silverware next season.
Ndidi joined the Istanbul giants last summer after departing Leicester City upon the expiration of his contract and has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most influential figures.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a standout first campaign in Turkey, becoming a regular starter while contributing goals and assists. His leadership qualities have also been recognised, with the midfielder being appointed vice-captain—an indication of the trust and respect he has earned within the squad.
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For Shorunmu, who remains a respected figure among Beşiktaş supporters following his own spell at the club, Ndidi’s rise has been a source of pride, particularly given the significance of a foreign player being entrusted with such responsibility.
“It’s good. I mean for him to be given the captain’s band, a foreigner, and again too in Beşiktaş which I played for, it’s a good omen. That shows me that they have a good respect for him,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“Because before him, it was Amokachi that played there and after him I came on board and we never captained the team. Which Ndidi, they gave him the captaincy. And as I said earlier, it’s a generation thing. He’s doing well with the team and they are happy with him.”
Ndidi’s strong performances have inevitably attracted attention beyond Turkey, with reports linking him to a potential return to English football, including interest from Manchester United.
However, Beşiktaş are understood to be determined to retain the midfielder, viewing him as a central figure in their plans as they seek to re-establish themselves among the continent’s elite.
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Shorunmu believes the former Leicester City man can help the Black Eagles mount a serious title challenge and improve on their current trajectory.
“He’s an important player for the club, and I believe with him they can challenge for the title. They’ve been there before. That thing is not a thing of every year that you need to win the title. That’s mean the league is not that good because there’s a lot of challenges, a lot of competition which is good for the league and which is good for their country. They have a better team to represent them on the continent. That’s it. Probably by next season, Beşiktaş will do something better than this season to get them there for next season,” he concluded.
With Ndidi continuing to thrive both on and off the pitch, Beşiktaş supporters will hope his leadership and experience can help guide the club back to domestic success and strengthen their ambitions on the European stage.
