Former Super Eagles Coach Monday Sinclair Dies at 88

Veteran football coach and former Super Eagles interim head coach, Monday Sinclair, has passed away at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed on Wednesday by former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, who shared a heartfelt tribute via Facebook. Peterside, who played under Sinclair at Sharks FC, described him as a mentor and father figure.

“Our daddy is gone. What a man,” Peterside wrote. “He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The first day he saw me come to train with Sharks, he said, ‘My friend, are you a boxer?’ He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found me a football father. I became very close to him and his family, with Puppa K as a very close brother.”

Sinclair, a former Green Eagles player in the 1960s, was renowned for his talent-spotting ability and deep commitment to the growth of Nigerian football. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, beginning with the now-defunct Sharks FC of Rivers State. He later managed several clubs, including Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.

In 1997, he briefly led the Nigerian national team as interim coach and went on to serve as the head coach of Equatorial Guinea’s national team.

Throughout his long and impactful career, Sinclair mentored some of Nigeria’s finest football talents such as Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah. His influence at the grassroots level helped shape generations of footballers and earned him immense respect within the football community.

His death comes shortly after the loss of another football icon, Peter Rufai, who had been battling a prolonged illness.

Sinclair’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a coach, mentor, and father figure in Nigerian football will live on.