Legendary Nigerian Football Coach Monday Sinclair Passes Away at 88

By Ugbede James Ankpa

Renowned Nigerian football figure and former Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair, has passed away at the age of 88.

The Sinclair family confirmed his death in a statement released on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, noting that he died at approximately 3:15 p.m. “With total submission to the will of God, the Sinclair family announces the passing of our father, Coach Monday Sinclair. We pray that God grants his soul eternal life,” the family wrote.

His death comes less than two weeks after the passing of another national team icon, goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on July 3, 2025, at age 61.

Born in Bomadi, Delta State, Sinclair was widely respected for his role in nurturing football talent across the Niger Delta and beyond. He is credited with discovering and mentoring numerous stars, including Richard Owubokiri, Benjy Nziakor, Finidi George, Taribo West, Peter ‘Jaja’ Rufai, Emmanuel “Waist Breaker” Ebiede Inikio, Davidson Owumi, Idah Peterside, Binebi Numa, Imama Amapakabo, and others.

Sinclair played for Nigeria’s national team—the then Green Eagles—in the 1960s. In 1997, he briefly took charge of the Super Eagles following the departure of French coach Philippe Troussier.

His coaching career spanned several decades and clubs, beginning with Sharks FC. He went on to manage Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, Heartland FC, Bayelsa United, and the Equatorial Guinea national team, Nzalang Nacional.

Sinclair leaves behind a legacy of football excellence and mentorship that helped shape generations of Nigerian football talent.