Ndidi becomes the fifth most expensive anchorman in the world after his value soars to €60m

SUPER Eagles anchorman Wilfred Ndidi has become the fifth most expensive defensive midfielder in the world after his value soared to €60m following another brilliant season in the English Premier league with Leicester City.

Ndidi, 24, was once more a bedrock in the heart of Leicester's defence last season, helping the Foxes finish fifth in the league, although frustratingly, the team finished just outside a Uefa Champions League spot. According to online valuation site Transfermarkt, this boosted his value from €50m, representing a 20% of €10m increase.

Apart from having a great league season, Ndidi was also instrumental to the Foxes lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in May. Following his re-evaluation, Ndidi is now priced higher than Dutch centreback Virgil van Dijk, who is currently valued at €55m after a season blighted by injuries.

Manchester United are reported to be interested in Ndidi who Leicester bought for just over €17m four-and-a-half years ago from Belgian side KRC Genk. Yesterday, Ndidi was on show again for Nigeria, strutting his stuff for the Super Eagles in a 0-0 draw with Cameroon's Indomitable Lions that took place in Austria.

Having lost 0-1 to Cameroon last week, Nigeria failed in its revenge mission yesterday as both sides played out a drab 0-0 draw at the Wiener Neustadt Stadion in Vienna. Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr made two changes to the side that started last Friday with Ahmed Musa and Valentine Ozornwafor coming in for Oghene Etebo and William Ekong respectively.

However, it was a lethargic display from the Super Eagles, with their play lacking chemistry and the team struggling creatively. They were lucky not to be behind in the first half as a Cameroonian goal was ruled out for offside.

In the second half, the Super Eagles created the better chances but the only time they threatened was when Alex Iwobi was presented with a good opportunity but fluffed his lines. This result leaves Mr Rohr with just five wins in 19 friendly games since he took over as the team’s coach.