Former Super Eagles coach Monday Sinclair has passed on at the age of 88.
In a short message circulated via social media, the Sinclair family said he died on July 17th.
“With total submission to the will of God, the Sinclair family announces the passing of our father, Coach Monday Sinclair, who passed away at about 3:15 p.m. this afternoon. We pray that God grants his soul eternal life,” Monday Sinclair family stated.
Sinclair, a respected figure in Nigerian football circles, is remembered both for his exploits on the pitch in the 1960s and his contributions on the sidelines as a coach and grassroots developer of talent.
Born in the pre-independence era, Sinclair made his debut for the Nigerian national team on February 27, 1963, during a Kwame Nkrumah Cup clash in Accra. In the match, the Green Eagles (as they were then called) suffered a 4–0 defeat to Senegal.
Despite the heavy loss, Sinclair would go on to become one of the key players in Nigeria’s football development during the formative years of international competition.
ALSO READ
Peter Rufai Dies At 61, As The World Mourns Diogo Jota
Seun Kuti Says Late Buhari Dealt With His Family
“Almost Got Initiated Into Witchcraft-Actress Juliana Olayode
He returned to the national spotlight decades later when he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles in 1997 following the departure of French tactician Philippe Troussier.
Though his tenure was short-lived and low-profile, Sinclair led the team through friendly matches in Tunisia and Zambia, with striker Kenneth Zeigbo emerging as a standout performer under his guidance.
Beyond the national team, Sinclair was revered as a grassroots coach and a relentless talent scout. His coaching philosophy emphasized free-flowing football and player development—an approach that saw him nurture several stars who would later shine in both domestic and international arenas.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media and from football administrators, former players, and fans who remember Sinclair as a passionate mentor, a football purist, and a quiet but effective force in Nigeria’s football history.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and media officer Idah Peterside said Sinclair was the exponent of Jogo bonito football in Nigeria.
Peterside, in his tribute, recalled that Sinclair gave him his first professional break at the now-defunct Sharks FC of Port Harcourt—a gesture he said launched Peterside’s journey to national prominence.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.