By Abubakar Ojima-ojo Yunus
Sunday Ndidi, the father of Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles captain, is dead.
According to Besiktas, the son’s club, Ndidi Snr died following a fatal traffic accident on Tuesday.
The footballer’s father was reportedly involved in a road accident at the Umunede area of Delta. He was then rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he eventually gave up the ghost.
“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,” Besiktas statement reads.
“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 the Nwankwo Kanu’s iconic jubilation from 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.”
