By Amaechi Agbo
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi on Tuesday lost his father following a tragic accident in Delta State
Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer was reportedly involved in an accident in Umunede, Delta State, and was confirmed dead after he was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, also in Delta State.
In a statement shared via the Super Eagles’ official X account, the team expressed sympathy with the midfielder and his family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred,” the statement read.
Ndidi’s club side, Besiktas, also confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing the death as tragic.
“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 club said in a statement released via its official X account.
The Turkish club added, “May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has expressed shock over the death, in an automobile accident, of Mr. Sunday Ndidi, father of Wilfred Ndidi, captain of the senior men national football team, Super Eagles.
NFF General Secretary, Dr 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 help 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 Mr. Sunday Ndidi and pray that the Almighty God will comfort our team captain, his siblings, relations and indeed all those he has left behind.”
Wilfred Ndidi has mourned the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, describing their last phone call as a painful farewell he did not fully realise at the time.
Reacting to the loss, Ndidi poured out his grief in an emotional Instagram story on Tuesday, “Eeraq you call me this morning with excitement in your voice but deep down na goodbye you dey tell me … What about things we talked about, so we no go talk again Na only memories?…,” he wrote.
Ndidi also recalled how he dedicated his first-ever goal for Nigeria to his father, noting that the celebration was inspired by Sunday Ndidi’s admiration for former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo. “Even when I score my first national team goal I do that Papilo dance for you, but you just go like that EERAQ” he added, lamenting his father’s sudden passing.
