Tragedy has struck Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal road accident in Delta State.
The retired military officer was reportedly involved in the crash at Umunede on Tuesday and was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was confirmed dead.
Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, broke the news in an emotional statement released via their official X account.
“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.
“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
The devastating loss comes just weeks after Ndidi led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament where the midfielder also scored his first international goal for the country.
That goal celebration now carries deeper meaning.
“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco.
“So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad.”
Known for often speaking fondly about growing up with his father in the barracks, Ndidi was born and raised in Lagos and has repeatedly credited his late father for his discipline, resilience, and rise to the top of Nigerian football.
Football fans across Nigeria and beyond have continued to pour in messages of condolence for the Super Eagles captain and his family as they mourn the painful loss.
