The Nigerian vice-captain made the light-hearted appeal during a Snapchat exchange that has been circulating among Nigerian football fans, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uduokhai, who was born in Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother, has built a solid reputation in the Bundesliga with clubs such as 1860 Munich, Wolfsburg and Augsburg. At twenty-eight, the 1.93-metre defender would bring much-needed quality and depth to Nigeria’s central defence, especially as William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi are both in their thirties and nearing the final stages of their international careers.
During the playful video, Ndidi leaned towards the camera and said Nigeria needed reinforcements in defence, telling Uduokhai to come and play for the Super Eagles. The defender replied in Pidgin English, asking how much it would cost for him to play for Nigeria. Ndidi burst into laughter and jokingly told him that if he wanted money, he should stay where he was.
Uduokhai last played for Germany at the 2020 Olympic Games and remains eligible for Nigeria because he has not made a senior appearance for the European nation. He has previously stated that he would consider representing the Super Eagles if the right opportunity came.
Even if Ndidi’s attempt proves successful, Uduokhai will not feature at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Eric Chelle has already named a fifty-four-man provisional squad, and the defender is not included. Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup also means there is no immediate competitive fixture that would prompt a switch.
However, the relationship between Ndidi and Uduokhai has grown since both players joined Beşiktaş permanently this year. Ndidi, who came through the Nathaniel Boys Academy in Lagos, is now one of the most experienced figures in the Nigerian team. He has played at several AFCON tournaments and was part of the squad at the 2018 World Cup. After missing the 2023 AFCON due to injury, he is hoping to make a strong impact as Nigeria pursue a fourth continental title in Morocco.
Uduokhai’s career continues to attract respect. Having risen through 1860 Munich before moving to Wolfsburg and Augsburg, he later secured a move to Beşiktaş. He scored Germany’s winning goal against Saudi Arabia at the Tokyo Olympics and has maintained a strong reputation within the German football system.
