Super Eagles captain Ndidi’s father dies in a road accident, NSC and NFF mourn

Tragedy struck the family of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, as his father, Sunday Ndidi, died in a fatal traffic accident on Tuesday.

The incident was announced by Besiktas, the son’s club, in a social media post.

The footballer’s father was involved in a road accident in Delta’s Umunede area and was taken to Agbor hospital, where he died.

Besiktas wrote, “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.

“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

Ndidi Snr was a retired military officer, and his son recently celebrated his influence when the Super Eagles captain scored in Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 AFCON.

After scoring the goal, Ndidi reenacted Nwankwo Kanu’s iconic jubilation from the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

“It was for Papilo, the legend Kanu Nwankwo. Growing up, my dad was a huge fan of Kanu. In our house, Kanu was the ultimate hero,” the 29-year-old said.

“My dad always talked about his grace, his goals, and how he represented Nigeria. I actually told myself before the game that if I scored, I had to do it for my dad.

“He’s the one who pushed me into football and always told me stories of the greats. Celebrating like Kanu in a Super Eagles jersey is my way of saying thank you to my father for all his support and for showing me the way. It’s a very proud moment for my family.”

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission, NSC, has expressed its deepest condolences to the Captain of the Super Eagles over the demise of his father.

The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, who expressed shock over the news, said this is a sad moment for Nigerian football and urged the entire sports family to put the Ndidi family in their prayers in this difficult time.

” On behalf of the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko and the Nigerian Sports family, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Wilfred Ndidi and his family for the unfortunate loss”.

” I know for a fact how close Wilfred Ndidi is to his father and the role the man has played in the success story of his son”.

“Wilfred Ndidi has been a patriotic servant for our great country over the years, playing for the Super Eagles and also representing Nigeria in a good light, playing club football in Europe. All these are a product of the kind of upbringing he was given by his parents”, the DG stated.

Also, the Nigeria Football Federation has expressed shock and sadness over the death ofSunday Ndidi.

 NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said: “This is very sad. The player just gave his very best to the nation at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where we finished with the bronze medals. He had returned to Turkey with great motivation and high hopes of helping his club to win silverware this season, and also helping the Super Eagles reach new heights this year.

 “We are really shocked at the moment and cannot say much, but we earnestly pray for the repose of the soul of Sunday Ndidi and pray that the Almighty God will comfort our team captain, his siblings, relations and indeed all those he has left behind.”