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You Called Me This Morning With Excitement In Your Voice – Super Eagles Star, Wilfred Ndidi Mourns De@th Of His Father

Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles captain, is mourning the tragic de@th of his father, Sunday Ndidi, who reportedly d!ed in a road accident in Delta State.

The retired military officer was reportedly involved in a crash on Tuesday, January 27, in Umunede and was confirmed de@d after being rushed to a hospital in Agbor, Delta State.

In a deeply emotional message shared on Instagram, Ndidi poured out his grief.

Recalling the final moments he shared with his father, he wrote: “You called me this morning with excitement in your voice, but deep down, you were saying goodbye.

“What about the things we talked about, so we are not going to speak again?

“When I scored my first ever national team goal, I did the Papilo dance celebration for you, but yet you are no more.”

Ndidi recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.

He celebrated with a dance inspired by Nigerian football legend Kanu Nwankwo, a player his father admired greatly.

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Super Eagles Star, Wilfred Ndidi’s Father D!es In Road Accident

Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles captain, has lost his father,Sunday Ndidi.

Sunday Ndidi passed away on Tuesday after a road accident.

The retired military officer was involved in an accident in Umunede, Delta State. He was taken to a hospital in Agbor, which is also in Delta State, and later confirmed de@d by doctors.

The sad news was shared on Tuesday by Besiktas, the club that Ndidi plays for in Turkey.

The club expressed deep sadness after learning about the tragic de@th of their key midfielder’s father

“May Allah have mercy on the deceased. We offer our heartfelt condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and all his loved ones,” the club added in a message on X.

Ndidi took over from Williams Troost-Ekong as Super Eagles captain and recently led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and during the tournament, he also scored his first goal for the national team.

Ndidi had also talked about his father and his respect for former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo while explaining his goal celebration against Tunisia.

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Super Eagles: ‘Eric Chelle Is Not Going Anywhere’ – NSC Director General Confirms

Director-General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has dismissed any possibility of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle leaving his position or Nigeria, despite interest from Tunisia, Gabon, and Angola.

Chelle has attracted interest from the aforementioned countries after guiding Nigeria to win Bronze at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The Malian has less than a year remaining on his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation.

However, Olopade has now insisted that Chelle is not leaving Nigeria because the countries interested in him don’t have top players that will make his job easy.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere. The countries claiming interest in him don’t have the kind of superstars that make his job easier.

“We must not forget that Eric thrived because he had the right equipment and instruments—the quality personnel he used to execute his ideas.

“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja. I’m not the NFF President, but we operate with a collaborative approach, and Eric Chelle has become both a brother and a friend.

“That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we’ll all sit down together,” Olopade told Footy-Africa.

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AFCON 2025: Celebrating Bronze Medal Builds Culture Of Mediocrity – Oliseh Speaks On Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has expressed concerns that the team’s celebration of their third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON may promote a culture of mediocrity.

Oliseh’s comments came after he witnessed mockery from both African and European pundits as Nigeria celebrated their win against Egypt in the bronze medal playoff held in Morocco last weekend.

The Super Eagles secured their ninth bronze medal in the tournament’s history by triumphing 4-2 in a penalty shootout against the Pharaohs.

“Before the AFCON final in Rabat, a video went viral of our superheroes [Super Eagles players] celebrating widely for winning third place against Egypt,” Oliseh stated on the Global Football Insight Podcast.

“From my seat in the media tribune, I watched as African and European pundits mocked us. They could not believe it.

“There was a time when the Super Eagles shed tears after finishing second place at the AFCON. Because to us, anything but the trophy was a failure. Celebrating third place builds a culture of mediocrity.”

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Super Eagles: ‘Don’t Let Him Go’ – Frank Onyeka Begs NFF Over Chelle

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain head coach Eric Chelle.

Onyeka praised Chelle’s character and ability, insisting that many players within the Super Eagles have a strong affection for him.

Chelle’s current contract with the NFF  will expire in January 2027 after he signed a midway in his two-year contract with the federation.

“When Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles, you could see his game plan and tactics,” Onyeka told Oma Akatugba.

“He’s a good and a lovely man, someone you feel comfortable around.

“He is very open-minded and offers everyone the opportunity they deserve.

“A lot of the Super Eagles players love him so much. Don’t let him go.”

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Victor Osimhen Reveals Two Nigerian Players He Spoke With To Join Galatasaray

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed the two Nigerian players he contacted about joining the Turkish Super Lig champions amid the ongoing January transfer window.

Osimhen wants his Super Eagles teammates Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika to consider making the move to Galatasaray this year amid the ongoing January transfer window.

“I spoke with [Raphael Onyedika] and [Ademola] Lookman. I explained Galatasaray and Turkey to them in detail, how wonderful a club Galatasaray is, how beautiful a country Turkey is,” Osimhen said as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

“It would be very good for our club, for the players, and for our fans if they came.

“I’m trying to convince both of them. I’d love for them to come to one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Onyedika currently plays his club football for Club Brugge, while Lookman plays for Atalanta.

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Super Eagles Of Nigeria Climb 12 Places To 26th In Latest FIFA Ranking After 2025 AFCON

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed 12 spots to 26th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, as released on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The rise,  from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal.

The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties.

Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world.

Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking.

Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.

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NFF Confirms Eric Chelle Will Remain As Super Eagles Coach After 2025 AFCON

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that Eric Chelle will remain as head coach after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

NFF had set a target of getting to the final and winning the trophy for Chelle, but he fell short of this, losing to Morocco in the semi-final and winning the bronze medal instead.

Speaking after the tournament, Gusau stated that the national team displayed notable progress under Chelle and affirmed that the federation is committed to working with the coach as Nigeria aims to build on the performance.

“The team is close to running on autopilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew,” Gusau said via NFF, reflecting on Nigeria’s campaign.

“The NFF is proud of the team’s performance and will continue to do its best to encourage, support, and motivate the team as we go forward.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity, and we will continue to work with him.”

Nigeria finished third at the tournament after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the bronze medal, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Get Special Bonus For Third Place

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to earn $15,000 for securing third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The bonus was initially meant for the semi-final where they lost 4-2 on penalities to hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco.

The players have received all their win-bonus except for the third- place match, according to SCORENigeria.

Wealthy businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu has also  redeemed his pledge of $500,000 to the team.

The players have already dispersed to their respective clubs.

They failed to attend the medal presentation ceremony on Sunday.

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Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title

Senegal secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) trophy after a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday.

Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike proved decisive, giving the Teranga Lions their second continental crown.

Late drama and key saves

The match remained goalless through 90 minutes, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denying Morocco from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt was easily saved, sending the final into extra time amid chaotic scenes as Senegal fans attempted to storm the pitch.

Mane praised as Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title
Senegal beat Morocco to AFCON 2025 title – Getty image

Riot police intervened, but the Teranga Lions regrouped to take the decisive moment in extra time.

Gueye secures victory

Minutes into extra time, Senegal countered swiftly, with Gueye finishing a fine move into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Morocco pressed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied, with Bounou making key saves and the woodwork coming to the Teranga Lions’ aid.

Balanced contest despite absences

Senegal managed the win despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta.

The Teranga Lions had early chances, including Pape Gueye heading over after a Lamine Camara delivery and Nicolas Jackson setting up Amadou Ndiaye, whose effort was saved.

Morocco also created opportunities, with Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari, and Ayoub El Kaabi testing Senegal’s defence throughout the match.

The final was a tense, highly competitive affair, highlighted by physical clashes and close-range opportunities. The Atlas Lions’ hopes of winning on home soil were dashed, despite dominant periods and a late penalty opportunity.

Senegal’s resilience under pressure and clinical finishing in extra time earned them the title, while Morocco were left to rue missed chances in front of their home supporters.

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