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Tears Flow as Wilfred Ndidi Bids Father Final Farewell in Emotional Umunede Burial

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Tears Flow as Wilfred Ndidi Bids Father Final Farewell in Emotional Umunede Burial

It was a deeply emotional scene in Umunede, Delta State, as Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and his siblings bade their father, Mr. Sunday Ndidi, a final farewell during burial rites marked by grief and solemn reflection.

The atmosphere grew heavier when the officiating pastor invited the family to open the casket for final confirmation. Standing side by side, Ndidi and his siblings were overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears as the reality of their loss became undeniable. Their grief resonated with mourners gathered at the graveside, many of whom were visibly moved by the painful moment.

The ceremony, described by attendees as both grand and dignified, drew a wide range of dignitaries and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond. Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, representatives of international football bodies, sports administrators, political figures, including delegates of the Delta State Government, community leaders, friends, and teammates assembled to honour the late patriarch.

Mr. Sunday Ndidi, who died in a tragic road accident, was remembered as a steadfast pillar of support whose guidance helped shape the discipline and resilience that define his son’s career. Tributes highlighted his humility, strength of character, and the enduring values he instilled in his children.

Throughout the ceremony, Ndidi was comforted by family members, colleagues, and dignitaries as prayers were offered for the repose of his father’s soul. The strong presence of stakeholders from grassroots to international football underscored the deep respect the midfielder commands — not only as a player but as a leader and family man.

Representatives from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development were also in attendance to convey condolences on behalf of the Presidency.

As the casket was lowered into the ground, the moment symbolised more than a personal loss for the Ndidi family; it reflected a shared grief within Nigeria’s football community.

The ceremony concluded with prayers, quiet embraces, and solemn reflection — a poignant reminder that beyond the roar of stadiums and the triumph of trophies, even sporting heroes must endure life’s most painful moments.

Across the nation, messages of sympathy and solidarity continue to pour in for Ndidi and his family as they navigate this difficult period of mourning.

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.