Ex-Super Eagles Coach Monday Sinclair Dies at 88

Former interim coach of the Super Eagles, Monday Sinclair, has passed away at the age of 88. The news was confirmed on Wednesday by former national team goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, who described Sinclair as a mentor and father figure.

Sharing his tribute on Facebook, Idah recalled how Sinclair gave him his first big break at Sharks FC. “He signed me to play for Sharks and handed me my debut against Niger Tornadoes. The first time he saw me at training, he said, ‘Are you a boxer?’ and told me I looked like Tyson. From that day, he became my football father,” Idah wrote.

Sinclair, who played for the Green Eagles in the 1960s, was renowned for his exceptional eye for talent and dedication to football development in Nigeria. He began his coaching journey with the defunct Sharks FC before managing Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.

In 1997, Sinclair briefly led the Super Eagles as interim coach and later handled the Equatorial Guinea national team. He is credited with shaping the careers of several Nigerian greats, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah.

His death comes just days after the passing of another football legend, Peter Rufai, marking a somber moment for Nigerian football.