“A Heartbreaking Goodbye!” Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi Plunged into Mourning After Father Dies in Tragic Road Crash

The Nigerian football community has been hit with a wave of sadness following the tragic passing of Sunday Ndidi, the father and mentor of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi. The elder Ndidi lost his life in a devastating road accident in Delta State, just weeks after watching his son lead the national team to a bronze medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The news, which broke this Tuesday, sent shockwaves through the sports world. Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer who instilled the trademark discipline seen in Wilfred’s play, was reportedly involved in a collision in the Umunede area. Despite being rushed to a hospital in Agbor, he could not be revived.

The loss is particularly painful given the close bond between the two. Wilfred, who recently swapped Leicester City for Turkish giants Besiktas, took to social media to share his grief. He recounted a phone call from his father earlier that morning, noting that his dad sounded full of life and excitement, unaware that it was a final “goodbye.”

“What about the things we talked about?” the midfielder wrote in a touching tribute. “So we no go talk again, na only memories remain.”

For fans, the tragedy brings back memories of Wilfred’s recent goal celebration in Morocco. After scoring his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles, he performed the iconic “Papilo” dance. He later explained that the move was a surprise for his father, who was a lifelong fan of legendary striker Kanu Nwankwo.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and teammates from across the globe have rallied around the captain. NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi described the news as “heartbreaking,” praising the elder Ndidi for raising a son who has become a symbol of national pride and leadership.

As Wilfred prepares to return home to be with his family, the thoughts of millions of Nigerians remain with the “Barrack Boy” who has given so much to the green-and-white jersey.