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Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi Loses Father in Delta State Road Accident

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Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who lost his life in a road accident in Delta State on Tuesday, January 27.

The retired military officer was involved in a fatal crash in Umunede and was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.

The heartbreaking news comes at what should have been the peak of Ndidi’s international career, just weeks after his appointment as Nigeria’s national team captain and following his memorable first goal for the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Turkish club Beşiktaş, where the 29-year-old midfielder currently plays, confirmed the tragedy in an official statement released on Tuesday. “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,” the club announced.

“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased. We extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones,” the statement added.

The loss carries profound emotional weight given the close relationship between father and son, which Ndidi has frequently referenced throughout his career. During the recently concluded AFCON tournament in Morocco, the midfielder revealed the deep influence his father had on his footballing journey.

After scoring his maiden international goal against Tunisia with a header in Nigeria’s second group match, Ndidi celebrated with a distinctive gesture that he explained was dedicated to his father.

“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco. “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.”

The midfielder, who grew up in military barracks in Lagos, has previously spoken about his father’s initial reluctance regarding his football career. Sunday Ndidi, though a football enthusiast who watched matches on television, had wanted his son to prioritize education over sports.

“My dad watched football on television but he didn’t want me to play. He is a soldier, but he didn’t want me to follow in his footsteps, he just wanted me to go to school,” Ndidi revealed in a 2017 interview during his early days at Leicester City.

Despite the initial resistance, Sunday Ndidi eventually became one of his son’s biggest supporters, witnessing his rise from Nath Boys Academy in Lagos through Belgian side Genk, to Leicester City, and eventually to captaining Nigeria’s national team.

Ndidi recently led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025, where Nigeria defeated Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff after losing to Morocco in the semi-finals.

His appointment as national team captain in December 2025 represented the pinnacle of a career that has seen him establish himself as one of Africa’s finest defensive midfielders, earning recognition for his tactical intelligence and defensive prowess across European football.

The midfielder joined Beşiktaş from Leicester City in August 2025 on a three-year deal and was subsequently appointed vice-captain of the Turkish club in October 2025.

Football fans, teammates and officials across Nigeria and the international football community have begun expressing condolences following news of the tragedy, recognizing the profound personal loss Ndidi has suffered during what should have been a period of professional celebration.

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MK Dons Captain Favour Omenazu Gets First Super Falcons Call-Up After Choosing Nigeria

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Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.

The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.

Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.

The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.

Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.

Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.

The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.

The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.

Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.

The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.

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BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Walks Away From Portugal Camp After Jorge Jesus Snub

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Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.


Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.


“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.


The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.


The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.

After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.

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Super Eagles Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier as Ilenikhena, Usor Score

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.

Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.

The substitutions quickly paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.

The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.

Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.

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