Wilfred Ndidi Opens Up About Heartbreaking Last Words With Father Before Tragedy

According to Ireporter Online, Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has shared an emotional account of his final conversation with his father, Sunday Ndidi, just hours before the retired military officer tragically died in a road accident in Delta State on Tuesday. The accident occurred in Umunede, and Mr. Ndidi was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was later pronounced dead. The news was confirmed by Ndidi’s club, Turkish side Besiktas, around midday on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old footballer took to Instagram to express his grief, recalling that he had spoken to his father earlier in the 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?”

Ndidi, who recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, also reflected on a personal moment from the tournament. He scored his first-ever international goal during the competition and celebrated with a dance inspired by former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo, in honor of his father. “Even when I scored my first national team goal, I did that Papilo dance for you, but you just left like that,” he added, 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 all expressed condolences 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 acknowledged the shock of the news. “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 account on X also extended their support, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Wilfred.”