Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi delivered a standout performance in Leicester City’s hard-fought 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, MySportDab Reports.
The Nigeria international played a pivotal role in the Foxes’ attack, providing two crucial assists to help his team secure a valuable point in the Premier League encounter.
Leicester manager Steve Cooper made an unusual tactical decision by deploying Ndidi, traditionally a defensive midfielder, in an advanced attacking role just behind veteran striker Jamie Vardy.
This change paid off as Ndidi displayed his playmaking abilities, contributing to both of Leicester’s goals in an impressive attacking display.
Ndidi’s first assist came early in the game when he spotted Vardy’s intelligent run and delivered a perfectly weighted through ball. The pass forced Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson to rush off his line, but Vardy reached the ball first, rounded Henderson, and calmly slotted into the empty net.
The goal, quintessential of Vardy’s clinical finishing, marked Ndidi’s second assist in just four Premier League games this season.
The Nigerian midfielder continued his fine form after the break, capitalizing on a loose ball just moments after halftime to set up Stephy Mavididi for Leicester’s second goal. Mavididi finished expertly, giving the Foxes a commanding lead.
However, Crystal Palace mounted a comeback, with Jean-Philippe Mateta pulling a goal back for the home side. The French striker then completed the comeback with a stoppage-time penalty, denying Leicester their first win of the season.
Ndidi’s performance not only earned praise for his versatility and attacking contributions but also saw him make history.
His two assists against Crystal Palace took his total tally to 12 in the Premier League, surpassing the legendary Nigerian playmaker Austin Okocha, who registered 10 assists during his time with Bolton Wanderers.
Despite surpassing Okocha’s mark, Ndidi still has a way to go to catch up with other Nigerian Premier League greats. Nwankwo Kanu holds the record for the most assists by a Nigerian in the league, with 33 assists over his career, followed by Shola Ameobi with 31, and Alex Iwobi with 30. Kelechi Iheanacho, Ndidi’s teammate at Leicester, has 25 assists to his name, while Victor Moses, Peter Odemwingie, and Victor Anichebe also feature in the top ten.
With Ndidi’s newfound attacking role, he could continue to climb the ranks of Nigerian Premier League assist leaders as Leicester look to turn their season around.
