Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has been plunged into mourning following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, a development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s football community.
The late Sunday Ndidi reportedly died after being involved in a fatal road accident, an incident that has left family members, teammates, and fans grappling with the sudden loss.
Sources close to the family disclosed that the deceased, a retired military officer, was rushed to a nearby hospital after the crash but was later confirmed dead, deepening the grief surrounding the tragedy.
Ndidi’s club side, Besiktas of Turkey, also confirmed the incident in an official statement, describing the death as heartbreaking.
“We are deeply saddened by this painful loss and stand with Wilfred Ndidi and his family during this difficult time,” the club said.
Reactions have continued to pour in from across the Nigerian football space, with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, fellow players, and supporters expressing sympathy and shock over the news.
Beyond his football career, Ndidi has often spoken about the strong influence of his father on his life, particularly the discipline and values shaped during his upbringing in a military environment.
He once described his father as “a major pillar” behind his journey to the top level of the game.
Only recently, the midfielder captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored his first international goal. He later revealed that the goal celebration was inspired by thoughts of his father.
“That moment was about my dad,” Ndidi said during the tournament. “He loved Nigerian football deeply, and I wanted to honour him in my own way.”
As tributes continue to emerge, the passing of Sunday Ndidi is being widely regarded as a personal tragedy for the Super Eagles captain and a moment of collective mourning within Nigerian football.
