Former Super Eagles interim head coach, Monday Sinclair, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was confirmed on Wednesday by ex-Nigerian international and former goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who played under Sinclair at Sharks Football Club and regarded him as a mentor.

In a tribute shared on Facebook, Peterside wrote, “Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks and gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The first day he saw me come to 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, a former Green Eagles player in the 1960s, was known for his sharp eye for talent and played a pivotal role in shaping Nigerian football at both grassroots and national levels. He began his coaching career with Sharks FC and went on to manage clubs including Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.

In 1997, Sinclair briefly led the Super Eagles as interim coach and later served as head coach of the Equatorial Guinea national team. Over the course of his career, he mentored a generation of footballers including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah.

His death follows closely after the passing of another Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai. Sinclair is remembered for his lasting impact on the sport and for nurturing some of the country’s finest talents.