Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi is mourning the loss of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who died on Tuesday following a road accident in Umunede, Delta State.
The retired military officer was rushed to a hospital in Agbor but was confirmed dead.
Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, confirmed the tragedy on its official X account, expressing condolences:“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.
”May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
The midfielder recently captained Nigeria to third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal during the tournament.
Ndidi’s goal celebration against Tunisia was a heartfelt tribute to his father, who admired former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo.
Speaking to journalists in Morocco, Ndidi said:
“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo…
” 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.”
Born and raised in Lagos, Ndidi often reflects on his upbringing in the barracks with his father, highlighting the influence Sunday Ndidi had on his life and career.
The football community has extended support to Ndidi during this difficult time.
