Heartbreak for Wilfred Ndidi as Father Dies in Tragic Road Accident
Grief has struck the family of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, in a road traffic accident in Delta State.
Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, reportedly died on Tuesday after being involved in an accident in Umunede, a town in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state. He was said to have been rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was confirmed dead.
The incident was publicly acknowledged by Ndidi’s club, Turkish side Besiktas, which issued a condolence message on Tuesday through its official X account.
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“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 said in the statement. “May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”
Ndidi’s death comes less than a month after the midfielder led Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third. During the tournament, Ndidi scored his first international goal for Nigeria, heading in a crucial effort during the group-stage encounter against Tunisia.
That goal carried personal significance for the Leicester City midfielder, who attributed his celebration to memories of his father and admiration for former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo. Speaking to journalists during the competition in Morocco, Ndidi explained the meaning behind the moment.
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“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” he was quoted as saying. “So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad.”
Born and raised in Lagos, Ndidi has often spoken publicly about his upbringing in military barracks, where he lived with his father during his formative years. Those experiences have frequently featured in his reflections on discipline, resilience, and his pathway into professional football.
As of the time of reporting, no further details had been made public regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident or funeral arrangements for the deceased.