Mike Ndidi reflects on 39-year Sports Journalism journey, says retirement near
After entering journalism almost by accident, veteran Nigerian sports journalist Mike Ndidi is reflecting on an illustrious 39-year career that has seen him become one of the country’s most respected names in sports reporting.
Known for his exclusive stories and breaking news, particularly during his more than two decades with Complete Sports newspaper, Ndidi earned the nickname “Mr Exclusive” for his ability to consistently deliver stories that captured the attention of sports-loving Nigerians.
As he prepares to step away from active journalism, Ndidi has opened up on how an aborted football career eventually led him into a profession that would take him across Nigeria and beyond.
“I ventured into journalism by accident after my football playing career was aborted prematurely,” Ndidi recalled.
“I captained the defunct P&T NITEL and was also a female football coach in Kano with Northern Queens FC. When P&T/NITEL was separated from NIPOST, I could not secure a job there, and I became frustrated.”
Before then, Ndidi had captained several prominent teams in Kano, including the Catholic football team, while also playing for various sides during his younger years.
His transition into coaching ultimately provided the unexpected opening that would change the course of his career.
“Some of my friends came together and said they wanted to form a female football team. We gathered some girls and formed the team. Our female football team was the first female football team in Kano and Northern Nigeria, apart from Kada Bees, which was run by the late Madame Ranchers,” he said.
It was while coaching that Ndidi met Richard Jideaka, then a sports reporter with the Triumph Newspaper in Kano. Jideaka would become a friend, brother and mentor, introducing him to sports journalism in 1987.
Another major influence was Sani Jibrin, the late former sports editor of the Triumph newspaper, who published the weekly Sports Parade in Kano.
“That was how I became a sports journalist. I did not study journalism; I ventured into it. That was the accident I referred to when I said I came into sports journalism by accident,” Ndidi explained.
Working with Sports Parade gave him his first significant exposure to the profession. The publication reportedly sold more than 3,000 copies every weekend at Sabon Gari Stadium in Kano, particularly during a period when clubs such as Racca Rovers and Works Golden Stars were prominent in the city.
Ndidi subsequently joined Sports Souvenir in 1987 before moving to Sports Weekly, published by veteran journalists Frank Ilaboya and the late Tony Akhigbe.
He also worked with Masters Sports in Lagos alongside prominent figures including Mitchel Obi, Danladi Bako, Sam John and Ejiro Omonode.
His career eventually took him to Complete Sports, where he became a pioneer staff member and spent more than 21 years. His contribution to the organisation earned him a long-service award.
At Complete Sports, Ndidi established himself as a specialist in breaking exclusive stories, earning the enduring nickname “Mr Exclusive.”
“It was the best stories that sold the papers, and I was nicknamed ‘Mr Exclusive’ at Complete Sports,” he said.
“We pushed it to the extent that during major international events, we were printing over 90,000 copies, for instance, during the Nations Cup tournament.”
Ndidi's impact was also recognised by Complete Sports Managing Director Mumini Alao, who mentioned him in his first book while highlighting notable personalities named Michael.
According to Ndidi, Alao described him as one of the “great Michaels,” alongside globally renowned figures such as Michael Jackson.
Looking back, the veteran journalist said he has no regrets about his career and considers his journey a blessing.
“So far, so good. I cannot say I have had any dull or bad moments in journalism, especially sports journalism,” he said.
“I have been involved in sports, particularly football, for more than three decades now. To the glory of God, we’ve taken sports journalism to great heights.”
His career has also taken him across different parts of the world, giving him the opportunity to meet prominent Nigerians and personalities from various walks of life.
Ndidi rose through the ranks at Complete Sports to become Head of Bureau and also played a key role in the newspaper's expansion outside Lagos.
However, after 39 years in the profession, the veteran journalist believes it is time to make way for the next generation.
“When I reflect on all these years in the profession, I want to leave it to the younger ones who are coming up. I am almost retiring. I’ve been around for more than three decades. I started in 1987,” he said.
Beyond journalism, Ndidi now wants to devote more time to giving back to his community and contributing to its development.
“I want to go back home. I want to see what I can give back to my people back home and how I can contribute to the growth of my community,” he said.
Despite hailing from Delta State, Ndidi said he speaks Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa fluently, describing the ability as a product of God’s grace and his years of interacting with people from different parts of Nigeria.
As he prepares for life after journalism, Ndidi said he hopes his greatest legacy will not simply be his exclusive stories or professional achievements, but his contribution to national unity.
“I want to be remembered as someone who promoted unity. I have friends from the West, the North and the East. I’ve made friends across the country, and that’s what I sincerely want to be remembered for,” he concluded.
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