The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles interim head coach, Monday Sinclair, who passed away at the age of 88.
The news of Sinclair’s passing was confirmed on Wednesday by ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, who paid a heartfelt tribute to his former coach and mentor via Facebook. “Our daddy is gone. What a man,” he wrote. “He signed me to play for Sharks FC and gave me my debut against Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The first day he saw me train, he asked, ‘Are you a boxer?’ He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found a football father.”
Sinclair, who once played for the Green Eagles in the 1960s, was widely admired for his sharp eye for talent and his lasting impact on grassroots football development in Nigeria. His coaching journey began with the now-defunct Sharks FC of Rivers State, where he earned a reputation as a talent developer. He later managed Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.
In 1997, Sinclair was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles, before later leading the Equatorial Guinea national team. Over the decades, he mentored several of Nigeria’s legendary footballers including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah.
His death follows closely on the heels of the passing of another football icon, Peter Rufai, who had been battling a prolonged illness.
Monday Sinclair’s legacy as a coach, scout, and football father figure remains etched in the heart of Nigerian sports history.
