Wilfred Ndidi, Super Eagles captain, has lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, who died in a road accident on Tuesday.
The late Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was said to have been involved in a traffic accident in Umunede, Delta state.
He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, also in Delta state, where he was confirmed dead.
Beşiktaş JK, Ndidi’s club, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday via its official X account.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident.
“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones,” the club said.
The death comes months after Ndidi captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ndidi also scored his first international goal for the Super Eagles during the tournament.
While celebrating his headed goal against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, Ndidi paid tribute to his father and referenced his admiration for Kanu Nwankwo.
“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi said.
“So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad,” he added.