Tragedy As Another Ex-Super Eagles Player and Coach Dies Days After Peter Rufai’s Demise

• Nigerian football is still mourning the death of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on July 3
• Another tragedy has struck the nation's football community in an ex-international and former coach
• Monday Sinclair starred for the Nigerian national team in the 1960s and coached the team as an interim in 1997

Former Super Eagles player and head coach has been confirmed dead, sending the Nigerian football community into prolonged mourning of multiple deaths in a short time.

Peter Rufai's death is still fresh in the hearts of Nigerian football fans, and a former player and coach, Monday Sinclair, has joined the list of late Nigerian ex-internationals at the age of 88.

According to Sports Village Square, Sinclair played for the Nigerian national team in the 1960s and managed the team briefly as an interim in 1997 after French coach Philippe Troussier quit.

He managed two matches against Tunisia and Zambia and was reputable for his contribution to the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.

He began his club coaching career with Sharks FC before managing other NPFL clubs like Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, Heartland and Bayelsa United. He also coached Nzalang Nacional in Equatorial Guinea.

Idah Peterside pays tribute to Sinclair

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside confirmed the news of Sinclair’s death on his Facebook page and gave the man who gave him his professional debut a befitting tribute

“Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” he 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 myself a football father. I became very close to him and his family, with Puppa K as a very close brother.”

Sinclair, during his life, was credited for discovering and developing former Super Eagles stars, including late Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside, among others, most of whom were part of the famous Class of 1994.

Fans paid tribute to the “godfather of Ijaw football, applauding his coaching philosophy and contribution to the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.

@yankiedudu

“Nigerian football is at another losing edge, Monday Sinclair, one of the most intelligent coaches from Nigeria, a Former Sharks of Port-Harcourt, Rangers and Bayelsa United coach who also coached Super Eagles in the late 90s. Popularly known as the "Godfather of Ijaw football". He was 88.”

@finecountryazu1 wrote:

"Monday Sinclair (1936-2025), You gave us free-flowing football that made everyone in PH stand in awe of beautiful football displayed by Sharks FC. Big thanks to Ovieteme George and Tony Alabrah who celebrated you. RIP Entraineur.”

Godwin Okpara blames Rufai for his death.

Legit.ng previously reported that former PSG defender Godwin Okpara spoke about Rufai after the legendary Super Eagles defender died of cardiac arrest on Thursday, July 3.

Okpara stylishly criticised the former Farense goalkeeper for his situation, claiming he never came out to let anyone know what he was going through.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.