NFF pays tribute as Wilfred Ndidi mourns father

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid tribute to Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, describing the loss as shocking and deeply painful.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation was still struggling to come to terms with the news, noting that it came at a time the midfielder had just recently delivered on national duty.

According to reports, Sunday Ndidi died after a road accident that happened on Sunday in Umunede, Delta State. He was said to have been rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was later confirmed dead on Tuesday. Sunday Ndidi was a retired military officer.

Sanusi said the tragedy felt even heavier because it followed closely after Ndidi’s strong commitment to the country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished with bronze medals.

“This is very sad. The player just gave his very best to the nation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, where we finished with the bronze medals,” Sanusi said.

He added that Ndidi had returned to his club in Turkey with renewed drive and optimism, hoping to push for trophies this season and continue leading the Super Eagles to bigger achievements in the year ahead.

“He had returned to Turkey with great motivation and high hopes of helping his club to win silverware this season and also help the Super Eagles reach new heights this year,” Sanusi said.

The NFF General Secretary said the federation’s immediate focus was to stand with their captain and his family in this period of grief, while offering prayers for the deceased.

“We are really shocked at the moment and cannot say much, but we earnestly pray for the repose of the soul of 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 added.

The tribute reflects the mood within Nigerian football as supporters and teammates rally around Ndidi, one of the country’s most consistent performers, during what the NFF called a devastating personal loss.