Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi is in deep mourning following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who died in a road accident in Delta State on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The tragic news has drawn widespread sympathy from the Nigerian football community, fans, and officials across the country. 

According to reports, the retired military officer was involved in a traffic accident in the Umunede area of Delta State. He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, also in Delta State, where he was later pronounced dead by medical personnel. 

The tragedy was confirmed by Ndidi’s club, Beşiktaş JK, in a statement released on the team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. In the message of condolence, the club expressed deep sadness over the news, extending thoughts and prayers to Ndidi and his family. “May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones,” the statement read. 

The death comes just months after Ndidi captained the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, a tournament in which he also scored his first international goal for Nigeria. During that competition, Ndidi dedicated his headed goal against Tunisia to his father, citing his admiration for former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo and the influence his father had on his career. “The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco. 

Wilfred Ndidi was born and raised in Lagos and has often spoken about the role his father played in his upbringing. In earlier interviews, he shared that his father initially encouraged him to focus on education, even as football became his chosen path. That balance between discipline and passion helped shape his character on and off the field. 

Reactions from the football world and beyond have poured in since news of Sunday Ndidi’s death broke. The Super Eagles team officially extended condolences to their captain, recognising the personal loss he now faces amid his professional duties. Other players, teammates, fans, and football commentators across social media have also shared messages of support, highlighting the respect many have for Ndidi both as a leader and as a person. 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), football clubs, former teammates, and supporters have expressed shock and sorrow, emphasising the close-knit nature of the Nigerian football family in times of grief. Many posts and online tributes have focused on Ndidi’s resilience and leadership qualities, even as supporters pray for comfort and strength for him and his family. 

Ndidi’s career has taken him from his early days in Nigeria to the highest levels of international club football. After an impactful period with Leicester City in the English Premier League, where he made over 300 appearances, Ndidi transferred to Turkish side Beşiktaş in 2025. In addition to his club success, his leadership role with the Super Eagles has made him a central figure in Nigerian football. 

In recent years, Ndidi has been known for his calm presence in midfield, tactical intelligence, and strong defensive play, attributes that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Beyond his athletic contributions, his dedication to family and respect for his father’s influence have been highlighted in various interviews and public statements over the years. 

As condolences continue to come in, many are remembering Sunday Ndidi not just as the father of a football star but as a retired military officer whose life and influence shaped the character of his son. Plans for funeral services and memorials have not yet been publicly announced, but family members and close associates are expected to share details when they are ready.