Former interim head coach of the Super Eagles, Monday Sinclair, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was confirmed on Wednesday by ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who played under Sinclair at Sharks FC and regarded him as a mentor and father figure.
In an emotional tribute shared on Facebook, Peterside wrote: โOur daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks and gave me my debut against Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The first time he saw me at training, he asked, โMy friend, are you a boxer?โ He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found a football father. I became very close to him and his family, with Puppa K becoming like a brother to me.โ
Sinclair, who played for the Green Eagles in the 1960s, was highly regarded for his keen talent-spotting ability and lasting contributions to football development in Nigeria. He began his coaching journey with the now-defunct Sharks FC in Rivers State, and went on to manage teams like Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.
In 1997, he was appointed interim coach of the Nigerian national team and later served as head coach of Equatorial Guinea’s national side. Throughout his career, Sinclair mentored several prominent Nigerian footballers, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah.
His legacy in grassroots football remains influential, and his passing marks the end of an era. His death comes just days after the passing of another Nigerian football great, Peter Rufai, following a long illness.
