The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed shock and deep sorrow over the death of Mr Sunday Ndidi, father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, who died in an automobile accident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, described the incident as devastating, coming shortly after the midfielder’s spirited performance for Nigeria at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.
“This is very sad. The player just gave his very best to the nation at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where we finished with the bronze medals,” Sanusi said.
He noted that Ndidi had returned to club football with renewed optimism before the tragic loss.
“He had returned to Turkey with great motivation and high hopes of helping his club win silverware this season, and also help the Super Eagles reach new heights this year,” he added.
Sanusi said the football community was still in shock over the incident.
“We are really shocked at the moment and cannot say much, but we earnestly pray for the repose of the soul of Mr Sunday Ndidi and pray that the Almighty God will comfort our team captain, his siblings, relations, and indeed all those he has left behind,” he said.
Mr Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was reportedly involved in a fatal road accident in Umunede, Delta State. He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was confirmed dead.
Wilfred Ndidi’s club side, Besiktas, also confirmed the incident on Tuesday, expressing condolences to the player and his family.
“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 Turkish club said in a statement posted on its official X account.
