The Nigeria defender has commented on the responsibility of wearing the armband
Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah is grateful for the opportunity to captain at Orlando Pirates as he looks to lead the Buccaneers to success.
Ndah has been wearing the armband in the absence of club captain Innocent Maela, whose role has been restricted to the bench, and the Super Eagles defender is not taking it for granted.
“I think it’s an opportunity, I’m really excited for it,” Ndah told centerkick.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s just an opportunity given to me by the club, which I really appreciate.
What does Ndah hope to achieve as Pirates captain?
“And getting into the finals of the MTN8 again, I think we’re going to have a great season and I’m excited.”
Ndah has been a mainstay in the Pirates defence, and has started this season well again, featuring in the Bucs’ five games of 2024-25, while scoring one goal.
That run of games has seen him recalled to the Nigeria squad and he was involved when the Super Eagles thrashed Benin 3-0 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last week.
Ndah came on as a substitute in what was his first game for the national team in 17 months but he has no hard feelings that he was not earning a call-up previously.
Defender has no hard feelings over previous snubs
“I think nothing has changed, with the selections that have been coming out they have been good,” added the 26-year-old over his national team situation.
“You can’t make everyone happy, you can’t invite everyone. I think there is a limited number you can invite.
“The selections have been wonderful, I’m just happy to be here. I take it one day at a time and I’m always excited to be called up, whether it’s a friendly game or whatever, I’m always excited to be here.”
Nigeria face Rwanda in their second AFCON qualifier in Kigali on Tuesday and Ndah will hope to be involved from the start this time.