Wilfred Ndidi did not play as Beşiktaş lost 3–2 at Celtic in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The Nigerian midfielder was listed among the visitors’ substitutes but was not used. Both clubs’ official match records support that distinction, which matters when assessing his involvement rather than assuming a squad appearance meant time on the pitch.
The match at Celtic Park in Glasgow remained goalless at half-time before Benin’s Junior Olaïtan put Beşiktaş ahead early in the second half. Sam Johnstone saved his penalty, but Olaïtan reached the rebound and scored. It was a finish after a saved spot-kick, rather than a successful penalty kick, and gave the Turkish side the first advantage.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill responded with substitutions around the hour. One of the players introduced, Callum Osmand, scored almost immediately after Callum McGregor seized on a loose pass. The equaliser changed the direction of the contest. Osmand later helped create the opening for fellow substitute Camilo Durán to go around the goalkeeper and put Celtic ahead.
Beşiktaş drew level late through Orkun Kökçü, who had also come on as a substitute. Their relief was brief: Durán struck again to decide the match. The Scottish league’s account records the winner in the 87th minute. Celtic therefore finished with three goals despite having trailed, securing their first points of this season’s league phase.
For Nigerian supporters following Ndidi’s European season, the confirmed individual outcome is an unused-substitute appearance. The match records do not explain the selection decision, so they do not establish an injury, disciplinary issue or change in his longer-term status. The five Beşiktaş substitutions listed by the clubs involved other players, and none brought the midfielder into the game.
What it means for you: when checking how a Nigerian player performed abroad, distinguish the starting team, substitutes named and substitutions actually made. This match offers a clear example: Ndidi belonged to the matchday squad but cannot be credited with playing minutes or assessed for an on-field performance in this defeat. The result belongs to his club; his participation was different.