The Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi on Friday, February 13, 2026, laid his late father Mr. Sunday Ndidi to rest in their hometown of Umunede, Delta State amidst a gathering of family, friends, and football stakeholders.
The agrarian commercial town of Umunede in Ika North/East Local Government Area of Delta State stood still during the burial ceremony that attracted prominent personalities across Nigeria.
Mr. Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, died on Tuesday, January 27, after being involved in a road accident in Umunede and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Agbor.
Ahead of the ceremony, a high-powered delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) visited Wilfred Ndidi in Asaba to pay condolences and present a formal letter of sympathy to the grieving midfielder.
The delegation, led by NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, included NFF Executive Committee members, officials from the Delta State Football Association, and media representatives.
In presenting a formal letter of condolence to Wilfred Ndidi, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi conveyed the heartfelt grief and sadness of the entire Nigeria football family over the tragic passing of Mr. Sunday Ndidi as they stood with Ndidi and his relatives.
The funeral brought together well-wishers, local leaders, and members of the football community who gathered to honour the life and legacy of the late Sunday Ndidi, known for the role he played in shaping his son’s disciplined approach and passion for the sport.
Ndidi’s father’s passing reverberated across the football world, with tributes and condolences pouring in from the Super Eagles, his club Besiktas, and even President Bola Tinubu, who described the loss as “tragic” and prayed for comfort for the family.
The burial marks a solemn moment in Nigerian football, coming just weeks after Ndidi captained the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a tournament where he scored his first international goal and dedicated it to his late father.
