Football Community Mourns with Wilfred Ndidi After Father's Tragic Passing
The Nigerian football community has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi, father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, in a fatal road accident in Delta State. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving midfielder during this difficult period.
Tragic Accident Claims Life in Umunede
Mr. Sunday Ndidi was reportedly involved in a serious motor accident in the Umunede area of Delta State. He was immediately rushed to a medical facility in Agbor for emergency treatment but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football circles, coming just weeks after Wilfred Ndidi's leadership helped secure bronze for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
NFF Expresses Profound Sorrow and Solidarity
The NFF, through its General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, described the news as both shocking and heartbreaking. Sanusi emphasized the timing was particularly painful given Ndidi's recent stellar contributions to the national team during the AFCON tournament where Nigeria clinched bronze medals.
"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," Sanusi stated in an official statement. "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."
The federation's official communication continued: "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."
Besiktas Joins in Mourning
Ndidi's club side, Turkish giants Besiktas, also released an official condolence statement expressing deep sadness over the tragic development. The club acknowledged the devastating loss experienced by their midfielder and extended sympathies to the entire Ndidi family.
"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 Besiktas statement read. "May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones."
Super Eagles Official Social Media Support
The Super Eagles' official X (formerly Twitter) handle shared a poignant message of solidarity with their captain during this painful moment. The brief but heartfelt communication read: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred," as football stakeholders across Nigeria continued to send their condolences.
Father's Influence on Ndidi's Career
Sunday Ndidi was known to have played a significant role in shaping his son's character and football journey. Wilfred Ndidi, who was born and raised in Lagos and often spoke about growing up in the barracks, frequently credited his father's discipline and guidance as fundamental to his professional development. The tragedy strikes at a particularly emotional time for Nigerian football, coming shortly after the national team's AFCON success where Ndidi emerged as one of Nigeria's standout performers, even scoring his first international goal during the group-stage victory over Tunisia.
Recent Context of Sports Tragedies
The loss has touched many Nigerians, especially against the backdrop of recent tragedies involving sports personalities. In December 2025, former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident that claimed the lives of two close associates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. These incidents have highlighted the fragility of life even amidst sporting triumphs and successes.
Ndidi's Recent Leadership Role
Wilfred Ndidi had recently assumed the Super Eagles captaincy before the AFCON tournament following former skipper William Troost-Ekong's retirement from international football. Just days before his father's tragic passing, Ndidi had expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support during and after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded on January 18, 2026. The midfielder had guided Nigeria to a record ninth AFCON bronze medal after defeating Egypt on penalties in Casablanca, making the personal loss even more poignant for the football community.
