Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the death of Monday Sinclair, a distinguished former national team player and coach. He passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, around 3:15 p.m., after a prolonged battle with diabetes.
Sinclair first made his mark in the 1960s as a player for the Green Eagles (now Super Eagles), beginning his international career on February 27, 1963, during the Kwame Nkrumah Cup in Accra. Beyond his playing days, he became a beloved grassroots coach, nurturing talents at Sharks FC, Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, Bayelsa United, Heartland FC, Udoji United, and even Equatorial Guinea’s national team.
In 1997, following the dismissal of French coach Philippe Troussier, he served as the interim Super Eagles coach for friendly matches against Zambia and Tunisia.
Sinclair’s legacy includes discovering and mentoring legends like Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside Idah — the latter of whom confirmed Sinclair’s passing via a heartfelt Facebook tribute:
>Our daddy is gone… He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match…”
Another protégé, Richard Owubokiri, recalled Sinclair as “fundamental to my career”.
Tributes have poured in from all corners of Nigerian football. A report notes that Sinclair “dedicated his life to nurturing talents and building the spirit of the game with grace and distinction”. As another poignant loss in a month already marred by the passing of Peter Rufai and others, his departure marks the end of an era in Nigerian football.
Sinclair is remembered not just as a coach but as a mentor who built characters off the pitch and a storyteller who chronicled his journey through books. His love for “jogo bonito” and talent development elevated several generations of players.
Funeral plans are expected to be shared by his family soon.
Age at death: 88; died around 3:15 p.m. on July 16 after a diabetes-related illness.
Notable roles: Player (1960s); interim Super Eagles coach (1997); coach of multiple NPFL clubs and Equatorial Guinea; talent scout of major Nigerian stars.
Tributes: Confirmed and lauded by former players, including Peterside Idah and Richard Owubokiri.
Nigeria bids farewell to one of its footballing icons—may his legacy and the talents he nurtured continue to inspire future generations.
