Uduokhai omitted from Besiktas squad for Rizespor clash as wife nears childbirth, Ndidi called up

Beşiktaş defender Felix Uduokhai will miss his side's Turkish Super Lig clash against Çaykur Rizespor at the Çaykur Didi Stadium on Friday evening due to his wife's impending childbirth.

The 28-year-old centre-back has been an influential figure for Beşiktaş since completing a permanent move following a successful loan spell in the 2024/2025 season.

He has impressed with his consistency at both ends of the pitch, registering one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

According to Turkish outlet Hürriyet, Uduokhai has been granted permission by the club's technical staff to attend to his family commitment.

He has consequently been left out of the matchday squad, while Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has been included in the team for the fixture.

His absence is considered a setback for head coach Sergen Yalçın, who will now be forced to adjust his defensive setup ahead of the encounter.

Born to a Nigerian father, Uduokhai remains eligible to represent Nigeria at international level despite previously featuring for Germany at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Although he received a senior call-up for Germany in November 2020, he is yet to make a competitive appearance, leaving his international future still open.