Super Eagles skipper Wilfred Ndidi is mourning the loss of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who died on Tuesday after being involved in a road accident in Delta State.
The late Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was reportedly injured in a crash at Umunede and was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where doctors later confirmed his death.
Ndidi’s club side, Beşiktaş, announced the incident in a condolence message posted on its official X handle on Tuesday.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s father, Sunday Ndidi, following a fatal traffic accident,” the club stated.
“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased, and we extend our sincere condolences to Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
The sad development comes shortly after Ndidi captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. During the tournament, the midfielder also scored his first goal for the national team.
Ndidi had emotionally dedicated that goal to his father after heading in against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, celebrating in a style associated with former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo.
Explaining the gesture, Ndidi said his father had always admired Kanu and frequently spoke about the former Nigerian star.
“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi said at the time.
“I had seen the celebration before, but it just came to my mind, and I decided to do it for my dad.”
Born and raised in Lagos, Ndidi has often reflected on growing up in the barracks with his father, whom he credited for shaping his discipline and character.