Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has conveyed deep condolences to Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi and his family following the sudden death of Ndidi’s father, Mr. Sunday Ndidi, in a road accident in Umunede, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the passing as “sudden, painful and a great loss” not only to the Ndidi family but also to the Umunede community and the wider Ika Nation.
The governor expressed heartfelt sympathy to Wilfred Ndidi, the bereaved family, and the people of Umunede, urging them to find comfort in the legacy and positive impact Mr. Sunday Ndidi left behind during his lifetime. “The death of Pa Sunday Ndidi is a painful blow to his immediate family, the Umunede community, and indeed the entire Ika Nation,” the statement read. “I extend my deepest condolences to Wilfred Ndidi, his siblings, and the entire Ndidi family at this difficult time. May they find strength in the exemplary life he lived and the indelible mark he left on all who knew him.”
According to reports, Mr. Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, was involved in a fatal road accident on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, along the Benin-Asaba Expressway in Umunede. He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor for medical attention but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The tragic incident has elicited widespread sympathy across Nigeria and beyond. Wilfred Ndidi’s Turkish Süper Lig club, Besiktas, issued an official statement on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account expressing sorrow and support for their captain. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the father of our player Wilfred Ndidi. On behalf of everyone at Beşiktaş, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Wilfred, his family, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace,” the club posted.
Wilfred Ndidi, 29, has been a key figure for both the Super Eagles and Besiktas since joining the Istanbul club in the summer of 2023. The defensive midfielder, known for his composure, tackling ability, and leadership, captained Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and remains one of the most respected players in the national team setup.
Governor Oborevwori, in his condolence message, prayed for divine comfort for the grieving family and eternal rest for the departed soul. “I pray that Almighty God grants the Ndidi family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grants the soul of Pa Sunday Ndidi eternal rest,” he stated.
The governor’s message reflects his administration’s tradition of solidarity with prominent indigenes of Delta State during times of personal tragedy. Mr. Sunday Ndidi’s death has also prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, sports personalities, and community figures in Ika land, who described him as a disciplined, patriotic, and community-oriented man whose service in the military and contributions to Umunede will be long remembered.
The accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety along the busy Benin-Asaba corridor, one of Nigeria’s major federal highways. Local authorities and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have not yet released a preliminary report on the cause of the crash, but eyewitnesses cited poor visibility and speeding as possible factors.
Wilfred Ndidi has yet to make a public statement on his father’s passing, though close associates say the midfielder is currently with family in Delta State to mourn and make funeral arrangements. Besiktas has granted him compassionate leave, and he is not expected to feature in upcoming matches until he is ready to return.
The Ndidi family hails from Umunede, a town known for producing notable figures in sports, military, and public service. The loss of Mr. Sunday Ndidi has united the community in grief, with many residents and admirers planning to pay their last respects when funeral details are announced.
Governor Oborevwori’s prompt and personal message of condolence has been appreciated by many in Ika North East and across Delta State, reinforcing his reputation as a governor who remains connected to the people during both moments of joy and sorrow.
As the Ndidi family prepares to lay their patriarch to rest, messages of support continue to pour in from across Nigeria’s football fraternity, political circles, and the people of Delta State, all united in mourning the passing of a father, retired soldier, and respected community elder.
