Former Super Eagles head coach, Monday Sinclair is dead.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that Monday Sinclair, died on Wednesday at the age of 88.
Sinclair’s death was confirmed by former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, who once played under him at Sharks FC.
In an emotional tribute, Peterside shared the news on FUBS, a WhatsApp group for former Nigerian athletes and sports administrators, and also posted a heartfelt message on his Facebook page, referring to Sinclair as his “football father.”
He said: “Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for the Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” Peterside wrote.
“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.”
Coach Sinclair was widely respected for his football acumen, tactical intelligence, and commitment to grassroots development. His playing days spanned the 1960s, but his coaching legacy extended far beyond.
He coached several top-tier Nigerian clubs, including Sharks FC, Rangers International, Heartland, Bayelsa United, Udoji United, and Niger Tornadoes, among others.
He also managed the Nzalang Nacional, the national team of Equatorial Guinea.
In 1997, Sinclair was briefly appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles, taking charge of friendlies in Tunisia and Zambia following the exit of Frenchman Philippe Troussier.
Beyond the sidelines, Sinclair was one of the few Nigerian coaches to document his experiences in books, using his stories to inspire younger coaches and players.