Wilfred Ndidi Reveals Final Conversation With Father Hours Before Tragic Death

Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has opened up about the heartbreaking final moments he shared with his father, Sunday Ndidi, just hours before the retired military officer died in a road accident in Delta State on Tuesday.

Naija News reports that Mr. Ndidi was involved in the accident in Umunede and was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was later confirmed dead. The news was made public around noon on Tuesday by Ndidi’s club side, Turkish giants Besiktas.

The 29-year-old footballer took to Instagram to express his grief, revealing that he had spoken with his father earlier that same day, unaware it would be their last conversation.

“Eeraq, you called me this morning with excitement in your voice, but deep down, it was a goodbye,” Ndidi wrote.

“What about the things we talked about? So we won’t talk again? Only memories?”

The former Leicester City star, who recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, also reflected on a deeply personal moment from the tournament. Ndidi scored his first-ever international goal during the competition and marked it with a Kanu Nwankwo-inspired celebration in honour of his father, a fan of the former Super Eagles captain.

He referenced the gesture again in his emotional tribute.

“Even when I scored my first national team goal, I did that Papilo dance for you, but you just left like that,” he wrote, sharing a photo of himself with his father and Kanu.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigerian football. The National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles have all sent messages of condolence to the grieving midfielder and his family.

Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the loss as a painful moment for the entire sports community.

“On behalf of the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Nigerian sports family, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Wilfred Ndidi and his family for this unfortunate loss,” Olopade said.

“I know for a fact how close Wilfred Ndidi was to his father and the significant role the man played in his son’s success story.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also admitted the news came as a shock.

“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 returned to Turkey with great motivation and high hopes of helping his club win silverware this season and also helping the Super Eagles reach new heights this year,” Sanusi said.

“We are really shocked at the moment and cannot say much, but we earnestly pray for the repose of the soul of Mr Sunday Ndidi and that Almighty God will comfort our team captain, his siblings, relatives and all those he has left behind.”

The official Super Eagles 𝕏 account also shared a message of support, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred.”