Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi is mourning the loss of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who reportedly died in a ghastly motor accident in Umunede, Delta State.
The heartbreaking news, on Tuesday, has drawn an outpouring of sympathy.
Turkish giants Beşiktaş, where Ndidi is currently plying his trade, expressed their condolences via their official X handle.
“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. May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones,” the club stated.
EFL Championship side Leicester City, where Ndidi spent several successful years, also sent a message of support.
“We are all sending our love and deepest condolences at a time of immense sadness.
We’re with you, Wilf,” the club posted.
Ndidi also took to Instagram to express his grief.
“Feraq 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 FERAQ,” he wrote.
Only recently, the 29-year-old midfielder had publicly celebrated his father after scoring for Nigeria during the AFCON 2025 campaign.
Ndidi revealed that the goal celebration, inspired by Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu, was dedicated to his father.
“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 at the time.
“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.”
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He added that his father was instrumental in his football journey, constantly encouraging him and sharing stories of Nigerian football greats.
“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. It was a very proud moment for my family,” Ndidi said.
