By Ifeanyi Uwagwu/ Isan Carlos
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, who died today following a road accident in Delta State.
The Pointer gathered that the retired military officer was involved in a crash along the Benin/Asaba expressway in Umunede, Ika North-East Local Government and was confirmed dead by medical personnel after being rushed to the Central Hospital in Agbor.
The 59-year old hailed from Idumu-Ileh quarters in umunede and is survived by three children amongst them is the Eagles captain.
The Eagles Skipper posted a tearful farewell message on his Instagram account stories yesterday, confirming the incident.
“Eeraq, you call me this morning with excitement in your voice but deep down na goodbye you dey tell me. What about things we talked about, so we no go talk again Na only memories?…Even when i score my first ever national team goal i do that papilo dance for you, but you just go like that EERAQ,” he wrote alongside posting a picture of himself and his late father.
The Super Eagles also shared their condolences today with a statement on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred,” the statement read.
Ndidi’s Turkish club, Besiktas, also reacted to the tragedy today.
“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 in a statement via their official X account.
“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
Ndidi recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.
During his celebration after a headed goal against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, Ndidi dedicated the moment to his father and his admiration for former Nigerian captain Kanu Nwankwo.
“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.”
Born and raised in Lagos, Ndidi grew up in military barracks where his father’s strict upbringing helped instil discipline and resilience, qualities he says shaped him well.
