Emotional Night: Turkish club honour late Ndidi

The atmosphere at the Tupras Stadium was heavy with emotion as the Black Eagles honoured the memory of Wilfred Ndidi's father, Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer who tragically passed away following a road accident in Delta State, Nigeria, earlier this week.

The club displayed their support ahead of their Super Lig clash against Konyaspor on Saturday evening for their star midfielder, who has become a focal point of the team since his €8 million move from Leicester City last summer.

The tribute took place just before the whistle, with the club and fans coming together to console their grieving skipper. Besiktas had previously released a statement expressing their deep sadness:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi's esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi... May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

Ndidi, who has often spoken about his father being his greatest mentor and the one who "pushed him into football," was visibly moved by the gesture.

The senior Ndidi was well-known among fans as the inspiration behind Wilfred’s "Papilo" goal celebration during the recent AFCON 2025, a nod to his father's love for Nigerian legend Kanu Nwankwo.

Despite the personal tragedy, the Super Eagles skipper showed immense professional strength.

Having returned to training just 24 hours after the news broke, Ndidi was named on the bench for the Saturday fixture.

• Match Result: Besiktas 2–1 Konyaspor

• Ndidi’s Involvement: Substituted on in the 68th minute for Salih Uçan.

• Performance: Provided defensive stability to help Besiktas see out a vital 2–1 victory.

The 29-year-old’s entry into the game was met with a standing ovation from the home crowd, further cementing the bond between the Nigerian international and the Istanbul faithful.

The loss has resonated far beyond Turkey. President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have both sent official condolences, acknowledging the elder Ndidi’s role in shaping the discipline and talent of the Super Eagles’ leader.

While Ndidi continues to navigate this difficult period, his commitment on the pitch on Saturday served as an evidence of his resilient spirit his father instilled in him.