PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has sent condolences to Captain of the Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, Wilfred Ndidi, following the passing of his father, Sunday Ndidi.
The older Ndidi died in a road accident on Tuesday, January 27, at his hometown, Umunede, Ika North East Local Council of Delta State.
Tinubu, in a condolence message, expressed sadness over the tragic loss, as the late Sunday Ndidi played a significant role in shaping the values and career of his son.
He stated: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi. I share in the grief of his family, friends,and associates, particularly Wilfred Ndidi, who shared a strong bond with his father as a mentor and guide in his remarkable journey as an exceptional footballer.”
The President stated that the late Ndidi’s modest background, integrity and sense of responsibility left a lasting impression on those who knew him and those who looked up to him for inspiration.
While praying for divine comfort for the Ndidi family, he asked God Almighty to grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed.
Ndidi currently plays professional football in Türkiye, where the President is currently on a state visit.
In the same vein, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the father of Super Eagles captain.
Oborevwori, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, described the passing as sudden, painful and a great loss, not only to the Ndidi family, but also to the Umunede community and entire Ika Nation.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to Wilfred, members of the bereaved family and the people of Umunede, urging them to take solace in the impactful life and legacy of the deceased.
Similarly, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed deep shock and sorrow, describing the loss as painful and difficult to comprehend.
He stated: “This is very sad. The player just gave his very best to the nation at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where we finished with the bronze medals.
“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.
“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.”
The Federation, on behalf of the Nigerian football community, extended its condolences to the Ndidi family, assuring the Super Eagles captain of its prayers and support during this period of grief.
The tragic incident also drew sympathy from Wilfred’s Turkish club, Besiktas, which confirmed the development in a statement released on its official X handle.
Ndidi debuted for Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 2015 and has over 65 caps.
Umunede was thrown into mourning following the tragic death of the retired soldier on about 9am on Tuesday in a fatal motor accident at the GLO Junction, along the Benin-Asaba Expressway in the community.
Eyewitness said Ndidi had parked his Toyota Camry at the GLO Junction and was attempting to cross the busy expressway when a Toyota Sienna car, said to be on top speed, knocked him down.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was later confirmed dead.
News of his sudden death drew sypathisers in Umunede and Ika Nation to his residence on Market Street, Ile Quarters, Umunede, to commiserate with the bereaved family.
The late Ndidi, fondly known as Polly, was described by residents as a disciplined, humble and peace-loving man, who served Nigeria faithfully during his years in the Nigerian Army before retiring.
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