Wilfred Ndidi returned to his roots in Ajegunle, Lagos, over the weekend to host the “Maracana Children’s Fest,” an annual charity event aimed at inspiring and uplifting underprivileged kids through football. The Super Eagles midfielder partnered with the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation to make the initiative possible, and this year’s edition saw a remarkable turnout.
Hundreds of local fans and community members gathered at the iconic Maracana pitches, a location symbolic to many Nigerian footballers who began their careers there. Ndidi was joined by a host of Nigerian football stars, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Frank Onyeka, William Troost-Ekong and his brother, Tolu Arokodare, and Raphael Onyedika. Their presence drew cheers and excitement, especially from young fans.
The event featured youth football matches, with the Super Eagles players interacting, taking pictures, and distributing gifts to the children. It was a vibrant and joyful celebration that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Speaking to Punch about the day, Ndidi expressed deep satisfaction: “I’m excited about this project and the smiles on the faces of the children amazes me. This is something that they are looking forward to.” He emphasized how important it is for the kids to see the footballers they admire on TV in real life, noting that the feeling is “completely different” and potentially life-changing.
Ndidi’s continuous efforts to uplift his community have not gone unnoticed. He’s part of a growing list of Nigerian stars who remain connected to their roots—players like Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and Akor Adams have also made similar charitable contributions in recent years.