Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi says studying at De Montfort University (DMU) has helped him achieve his dreams of gaining a good education.
The Nigerian Premier League midfielder is currently studying Business and Management at DMU. He decided to enrol onto the course after visiting the university for Clearing in 2018 and being inspired by speaking to new students on the phones.
“I was really happy when DMU staff said I could study here,” he said. “I wanted to do this course because growing up in Nigeria we didn’t really have the opportunity to actually go to school.
“It’s a personal thing for me that I want to do, to expand myself and learn new things.”
The Business and Management course fits around the Nigerian international’s busy training schedule and he is happy with how he is progressing so far.
He said: “Instead of sitting at home after training I come to DMU for my classes.
“The teachers have been amazing, they really try and help me understand. Rather than just reading books they take time to explain things to me and they are also very understanding about my schedule with training.”
Ndidi hopes his degree from DMU will prepare him for life after football and says he wants to give back to society in his home country.
“Back home so many kids aren’t able to go to school because their parents can’t afford it,” he said. “I want to set up a football resort where people can stay and play football while getting an education at the same time. I think it’s really important to try to learn things outside of your normal life.”
This year has already been a memorable one for the 22-year-old; getting married to his long-term girlfriend in May before heading to Egypt in June to play in the Africa Cup of Nations for his home country.
Ndidi moved to England when he signed for LCFC from Belgian side K.R.C. Genk in 2017 and has aspired to study ever since.
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Speaking about living in Leicester, he said: “It’s really cool, there are lots of friendly and amazing people – I feel really at home here.
“Sometimes I park further away from DMU so I can take a walk onto campus. I really like it.”
Recently, former Manchester United star and Champions League winner Ji Sing Park was also rubbing shoulders with students at DMU, studying the first part of a Management, Law and Humanities of Sport MA.
While studying, he made a few appearances for a DMU football team. So, will Ndidi be on the pitch for DMU FC next season?
“Unfortunately not,” he said with a smile. “Football is my job so I can’t risk it by joining the DMU football team.”
You can find out more about Ndidi’s university life in his interview with Sky Sports News here.
Posted on Friday 23 August 2019