'I don't have the power' - Ndidi addresses whether he would recommend Besiktas pair to Portugal coach

Wilfred Ndidi was on media duties at the Lagoas Park Hotel on Tuesday ahead of Nigeria's high-profile friendly against World Cup-bound Portugal, and one of the questions put to him concerned his Besiktas teammates Jota Silva and Tiago Djaló.

Although Silva and Tiago Djaló have been capped by Portugal, manager Roberto Martínez has not included the pair in his squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Portuguese duo were key players for the Black Eagles last term, with the winger notching five goals in 23 games, while the centre-back netted two goals in twenty-two outings.

Ndidi praised his Besiktas teammates Silva and Djaló but insists he is not in a position to influence selection decisions for Portugal coach Martínez.

When asked whether he would recommend the Portuguese duo for a call-up to the national team, Ndidi told reporters ath the pre-match press conference: "Unfortunately, our club didn't win any titles this year and we weren't able to compete as we wanted. I don't have the power to suggest anything, but these Portuguese lads are very good, they work hard, they're aggressive and they work very hard in training."

Djaló has been absent from the Portugal setup since earning his first senior cap in a UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia in November 2024.

Meanwhile, Silva has made two appearances for the Seleção, with his last outing coming in a friendly against Slovenia in March 2024.