Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has expressed deep grief over the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, describing their final phone conversation as a painful farewell he did not immediately recognise.
Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, reportedly died on Tuesday following a road accident in Umunede, Delta State.
Reacting to the tragic loss, the Nigerian international took to his Instagram story to share an emotional tribute, recalling how his father had called him earlier that day with excitement, unaware it would be their last conversation.
“Eeraq you call me this morning with excitement in your voice but deep down na goodbye you dey tell me… What about the things we talked about, so we no go talk again? Na only memories?” Ndidi wrote.
The midfielder also reminisced about dedicating his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles to his father, explaining that his celebration was inspired by Sunday Ndidi’s admiration for former national team captain, Nwankwo Kanu.
“Even when I scored my first national team goal, I did that Papilo dance for you. But you just go like that, Eeraq,” he added, lamenting the suddenness of his father’s passing.
Meanwhile, Ndidi’s club side, Besiktas, has also confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the player and his family. In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Turkish club expressed sadness over the tragedy.
“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 statement read.
“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family and loved ones.”
The death has drawn an outpouring of sympathy from fans and members of the football community, as Ndidi mourns the loss of a father he described as a major influence in his life and career.
