Nigeria captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has lost his father, Sunday Ndidi.
Sunday Ndidi reportedly died in a fatal road accident on Tuesday around the Umunede area of Delta State.
Beşiktaş, the Turkish club where the Nigerian international plays, confirmed the tragic news in a statement posted on their 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,” the club wrote. “May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
Ndidi also took to social media to express his grief, recalling his final moments with his father.
“Eeraq, you called me this morning with excitement in your voice, but deep down it was goodbye you were telling me… What about the things we talked about? So we won’t talk again? Is it only memories now?” he wrote on his Instagram story.
The midfielder, who featured for Nigeria at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also reflected on his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles, a 3–2 win over Tunisia, which he dedicated to his father.
“Even when I scored my first national team goal, I did that Papilo (Kanu Nwankwo) dance for you, but you just went like that, EERAQ,” he said.
The Super Eagles have also sent messages of condolence to the player.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred,” the team posted.
