Monday Sinclair, the former head coach of the Super Eagles who played a pivotal role in the discovery of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeeper, has sadly passed away at 88.
The legendary coach was confirmed dead by family members at around 3:15 pm on Wednesday. In recent years, Sinclair had been struggling with complications related to diabetes, leading to multiple hospital stays.
Before embarking on his distinguished coaching career, Sinclair was a player for the Green Eagles in the 1960s. He became well-known for his ability to identify and nurture football talent from grassroots level, credited with mentoring future Super Eagles stars like Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside.
Sinclair’s coaching career began with the now-defunct Sharks FC of Rivers, and he later took roles at Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United. He served as the interim coach of the Super Eagles in 1997 and also coached the national team of Equatorial Guinea.
His passing follows closely on the heels of Rufai’s death, who had been suffering from a long-term illness. Idah Peterside, a former protégé, paid tribute on Facebook, calling Sinclair his “football father” and sharing how he had a profound impact on his career.
“He signed me to play for Sharks and gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The first time he saw me train with the Sharks, he asked, ‘My friend, are you a boxer?’ He said I was built like Tyson. From that moment, I found my football father and became very close to him and his family, with Puppa K as my dear brother.”
