Ndidi’s father dies in road accident

Sunday Ndidi, father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, has died following a road accident in Delta State.

Besiktas, Ndidi’s club, confirmed the death in a statement on Tuesday, saying the incident occurred in the Umunede area of the state.

According to the club, Ndidi Snr was involved in a fatal traffic accident and was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he later died.

“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 statement read.

“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased. We extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

Ndidi Snr was a retired military officer and played a significant role in shaping his son’s football career.

Only recently, Wilfred Ndidi paid tribute to his father after scoring in Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The midfielder celebrated the goal by reenacting Nwankwo Kanu’s iconic celebration from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

“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,” Ndidi said after the match.

“My dad always talked about his grace, his goals, and how he represented Nigeria. I 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 was my way of saying thank you to my father for all his support.”