Nigerian football is in mourning following the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi, the father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The retired military officer passed away on Tuesday after a road accident in Umunede, Delta State. He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was later confirmed dead.
The news was confirmed by his son’s club, Besiktas, which released a statement expressing profound sadness.
”We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the Turkish club wrote on its official X account.
”May Allah have mercy on the deceased. We offer our heartfelt condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and all his loved ones.”
loss comes at a poignant moment, shortly after Wilfred Ndidi’s proudest period in international football. He recently took over the captaincy of the Nigerian national team and led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
During that tournament, he also scored his first-ever goal for his country in a group stage match against Tunisia.
In explaining his celebration for that landmark goal, Ndidi had specifically referenced his father and his admiration for Nigerian legend Kanu Nwankwo, making the timing of this loss even more poignant.
The football community worldwide is rallying to support the midfielder, who is respected not only for his defensive prowess but also for his leadership and character.