Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has announced the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, describing the loss as sudden, painful, and deeply heartbreaking.

Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, reportedly died on Tuesday following a fatal road accident in Umunede, Delta State. Details surrounding the accident remain limited, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond.

Reacting to the tragedy, Wilfred Ndidi took to his Instagram story to pour out his grief, sharing an emotional tribute that revealed how close he was to his father. He recalled receiving a phone call from him earlier that same day, noting that his father sounded cheerful and excited at the time. It was only later that Ndidi realised the conversation had unknowingly become their final goodbye.

In his message, the Leicester City midfielder reflected on the conversations they planned to continue and expressed pain over the sudden silence left behind. He questioned how memories alone would now replace moments they were yet to share, capturing the raw shock and disbelief that followed the loss.

Ndidi also revisited a defining moment in his football career, recalling how he dedicated his first ever goal for the Nigerian national team to his father. He explained that his celebration, the famous Papilo dance, was inspired by Sunday Ndidi’s admiration for former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo. The memory, he said, now holds even greater emotional significance following his father’s death.

Meanwhile, Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, confirmed the tragedy in a statement shared on its official X account. The Turkish side expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the midfielder, his family, and loved ones.

The club stated that it was deeply saddened by the passing of Wilfred Ndidi’s father in a fatal traffic accident and offered prayers for the repose of his soul while assuring the player of its support during the difficult period.

Since the news broke, tributes and messages of sympathy have continued to pour in from fans, teammates, and members of the football community across Nigeria and beyond. Many have described Sunday Ndidi as a proud supporter of his son’s career and offered prayers for strength and comfort for the Super Eagles captain and his family as they mourn their loss.