The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles interim head coach, Monday Sinclair, who passed away at the age of 88.
Sinclair’s demise came barely five days after the passing of former Super Eagles left-footed forward, Okwuchukwu Waobikeze, who was pronounced dead by medical experts following a brief illness in the United States of America.
His death was confirmed yesterday by ex-Nigerian international and former goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who played under Sinclair at Sharks Football Club and regarded him as a mentor.
“He signed me to play for Sharks and handed me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” Peterside wrote.
“The moment he saw me, he asked, ‘My friend, are you a boxer?’ he added, ‘You are built like Tyson.’ From that day on, I found not just a coach but a football father.”
Sinclair, a former Green Eagles player in the 1960s, was known for his sharp eye for talent and played a pivotal role in shaping Nigerian football at both grassroots and national levels.
He began his coaching career with Sharks FC and went on to manage clubs including Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.
In 1997, Sinclair briefly led the Super Eagles as interim coach and later served as head coach of the Equatorial Guinea national team.
Over the course of his career, he mentored a generation of footballers including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah.
Sinclair is remembered for his lasting impact on the sport and for nurturing some of the country’s finest talents.
