The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is in mourning following the tragic death of Mr. Sunday Ndidi, father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, who lost his life in a road accident on Tuesday.

Naija News reports that Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was involved in a traffic collision in Umunede, near Agbor, Delta State. He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where doctors confirmed his death.

Reacting to the loss, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi described the news as profoundly saddening.

“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. 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 said.

Dr. Sanusi added: “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.”

The news was also confirmed by Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, in Turkey. “May Allah have mercy on the deceased. We offer our heartfelt condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and all his loved ones,” the club wrote on 𝕏.

Ndidi, who recently assumed the role of Super Eagles captain from William Troost-Ekong, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

During the tournament, he also scored his first goal for the national team and dedicated his celebrations to his father and former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo.