Former interim coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Monday Sinclair, has died at the age of 88. He passed away on Wednesday around 3:15 p.m. after battling diabetes for some time.
His death was confirmed by former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, who shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” Idah wrote.
Monday Sinclair briefly took charge of the national team in 1997 after French coach Philippe Troussier was sacked. He managed the Eagles in two international friendlies against Zambia and Tunisia.
Though his time as coach was short, Sinclair is widely respected in Nigerian football for helping discover and develop top talents. He is credited with spotting players like Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah, who all went on to represent Nigeria at the highest level.
Tributes are already pouring in from the Nigerian football community, honouring Sinclair’s contribution to the game and his role in shaping the careers of some of the country’s football legends.
