The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic news that Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, Sunday Ndidi, passed away in a fatal road accident.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Umunede area of Delta State.
According to family sources and official reports, Ndidi’s father, a retired military officer, was involved in a collision and was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead.
This devastating personal tragedy comes just weeks after Ndidi led Nigeria to a podium finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Ndidi also recently took over the leadership of the national team following the international retirements of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa.
His father was a significant influence on his career, often credited by the midfielder for instilling the discipline required to reach the pinnacle of European football with Beşiktaş and previously at Leicester City.
Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
“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 released 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 in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.
While celebrating his headed goal against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, the midfielder referenced his father and his admiration for former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo.
“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.”
Ndidi, who often speaks about growing up with his father in the barracks, was born and raised in Lagos.
The Super Eagles have expressed condolences to Ndidi following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi.
In a statement shared via the Super Eagles’ official X account, the team expressed sympathy with the midfielder and his family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred,” the statement read.
