Ndidi shines in Besiktas cup defeat

Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi produced a standout individual display despite his side’s 1-0 defeat to Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup semi-final, a result that ended Besiktas’ campaign and confirmed a trophyless first season for the Nigerian in Turkey, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ndidi played the full 90 minutes at the Tüpraş Stadium as Besiktas were beaten by a stoppage-time penalty, with the result sending Konyaspor into the final of the competition.

The Super Eagles captain delivered a disciplined display in the centre of the pitch, contributing defensively while also trying to help his side control possession in a tightly contested match.

Statistically, he was the highest-rated player for his team on Sofascore and Flashscore, and was named Man of the Match by Fotmob with an 8.1 rating, having completed 43 of 51 passes at 84 per cent accuracy, including 14 of 20 passes in the opposition half.

He registered one key pass, two shots without hitting the target, and was involved heavily in midfield duels, winning 10 of 13 ground battles and six of eight aerial contests.

The 29-year-old also made five successful tackles from six defensive contributions, recovered the ball seven times, completed four successful dribbles, and was fouled three times, which portrays his combative presence despite Besiktas’ defeat.

However, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough in a match defined by missed opportunities.

Toure struck the crossbar in the first half, while Oh and Orkun Kökçü both hit the woodwork after the interval as Besiktas pressed for a winner.

Konyaspor, who grew into the game as it progressed, eventually capitalised in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty after Olaigbe went down under a challenge from Olaitan.

Bardhi converted in the 90+8th minute to seal a 1-0 victory and book his side’s place in the final.

The defeat brings a disappointing end to Besiktas’ cup campaign and confirms that Ndidi will finish his debut season in Turkish football without silverware, while also missing out on Europa League through the competition.

Frustration was evident at full-time, with sections of supporters directing their anger at the club’s management and head coach Sergen Yalçın, chanting calls for both to resign after the late elimination.