SUPER Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has spoken emotionally about the difficult period he has endured since losing his father just days after leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The midfielder revealed that the past few weeks have been among the toughest moments of his life, but credited the support from family, friends, fans, and the football community for helping him remain strong.
Ndidi’s father, Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, died on January 27 following an accident in Umunede, Delta State.
He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, also in Delta State, but was later confirmed dead.
The tragedy struck shortly after the Nigerian midfielder had captained the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, at the continental tournament in Morocco.
His father was eventually laid to rest on February 13 in Umunede, where family members, friends, and members of the Nigerian football community gathered to pay their final respects.
Despite the heavy emotional burden, Ndidi returned to football only days after the loss.
Just four days after his father’s death, the midfielder featured for Turkish club Beşiktaş, coming off the bench to play 23 minutes in their 2–1 victory over Konyaspor.
The Nigerian star continued his comeback following the burial, scoring in Beşiktaş’ commanding 4–0 win against Göztepe on February 22.
His performances on the pitch have been widely praised by fans who admire his strength and professionalism during a deeply personal period of grief.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Ndidi admitted that coping with the loss of his father has not been easy.
“It’s been very tough these past few weeks. It still feels unreal, to be honest,” the midfielder said.
“But with the help of my family, friends, loved ones, and everyone around me, including my teammates and the club, they have really been there for my family and me, and I’m very grateful.”
Ndidi said the overwhelming support from Nigerians and the wider football community has been a major source of comfort.
According to him, messages and encouragement from fans, football authorities, and officials have helped him and his family navigate the painful period.
“The messages and support from Nigerian fans, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Delta State Government, and the Beşiktaş family have been overwhelming in a positive way,” he said.
For the Super Eagles captain, football has also become a means of coping with grief while honouring the memory of his late father.
Ndidi explained that returning to the pitch allows him to stay focused while gradually adjusting to life after the loss.
“Football helps me stay focused, but at the same time, I take it one day at a time. I just pray for strength and continue to honour my father in everything I do,” he added.
Ndidi was appointed captain of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s campaign.
During the tournament, he scored his first-ever goal for Nigeria, a powerful header against Tunisia national football team in the team’s second group-stage match.
While celebrating the goal, Ndidi made an emotional gesture referencing his father, while also acknowledging his admiration for legendary former Nigerian captain Nwankwo Kanu.