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 former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, who paid an emotional tribute on Facebook, describing Sinclair as a father figure and mentor who gave him his first professional break.
“Our daddy is gone. What a man,” Peterside wrote. “He signed me to play for Sharks FC and gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna.
The first day he saw me train, he said, ‘My friend, are you a boxer?’ He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found me a football father.”
Sinclair, who played for the then Green Eagles in the 1960s, was revered for his eye for talent and grassroots commitment to the development of Nigerian football.
He began his coaching journey with the defunct Sharks FC of Rivers State, before managing clubs such as Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.
His most prominent national role came in 1997 when he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles. He later went on to manage the Equatorial Guinea national team.
Throughout his career, Sinclair mentored several iconic Nigerian players, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah.
His death comes just days after the passing of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, adding to the mourning within the Nigerian football community.
Sinclair’s contribution to the game at both grassroots and national levels has been hailed as a lasting legacy in Nigerian football history.
