Wilfred Ndidi's decline was on display again on Saturday as Leicester City’s survival hopes took another hit in a 2-2 draw away to Brighton. The Nigerian midfielder was unable to assert control in a match that underlined the Foxes’ deepening struggles this season.
Leicester ended an 885-minute goal drought at the Amex, coming from behind twice thanks to goals from Stephy Mavididi and debutant Memeh Caleb Okoli.
Brighton led through two Joao Pedro penalties, but failed to close the game out. While the result earned the Foxes a point, their relegation fears remain very real.
Ndidi: A fading influence in midfield
Ndidi started but lasted only 61 minutes before being substituted. In that time, he completed just 11 of 15 attempted passes (73%) and had 30 touches. His creative output was limited, recording 2 key passes and one accurate cross, while his attacking threat barely registered, with an xG of 0.10 and xA of 0.06.
The 28-year-old’s defensive metrics were equally underwhelming. He won just 2 of 6 ground duels and was involved in 9 aerial contests, winning 6. He also made two tackles, one interception, and two clearances, but lost possession eight times and was dribbled past once.
Leicester now sit 19th in the Premier League with 18 points from 32 matches, 14 points adrift of safety with just six games remaining.
They’ve conceded 72 goals, leaving them with a damaging -25 goal difference. Only a miracle can prevent them from dropping into the Championship, and Ndidi’s diminishing influence hasn’t helped.
Once a midfield powerhouse, the Super Eagles star is no longer offering the kind of performances Leicester can rely on in the fight for survival.
