BY EDMOND ODOK – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commiserated with the family and friends, as well as the Nigeria football fraternity over the death of former Nigeria international player and one-time Coach of the Super Eagles, Monday Sinclair.
Widely-known as ‘Professor’ for his in-depth knowledge and understanding of the beautiful game, Sinclair died on Wednesday evening at the age of 88.
The Rivers State-born elder statesman played for the Nigerian senior national team, Green Eagles, after independence in the 1960s, and several years later, became an oak in the teaching of the game at the grassroots level.
In a statement on Thursday morning, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said, “We mourn deeply with the immediate family, friends and relatives of ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair over his demise. It is yet another sad day in Nigeria football. Our prayer is that God will stop the tap of grief and sorrow in our football and in the larger society.
“We pray that the Almighty will grant the late Sinclair eternal rest and also grant those loved ones he has left behind, including the coaching fraternity, the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Reputed for his flair for discovering new blood who possess the ability, vision and determination to excel, and for imbuing his teams with the free-flowing pattern, Sinclair was an exemplary miner, nurturer and transformer of talents, and contributed immensely to the growth of the football career of a number of former players of the Super Eagles.
Among the several legendary footballers he mentored include late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, defender Taribo West, forward Finidi George, and Keeper Peterside Idah.
In 1997, following the departure of Frenchman Philippe Troussier (The White Witchdoctor) after Nigeria’s qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, then Nigeria Football Association appointed him as Super Eagles’ interim Head Coach, before heading to lead the Equatorial Guinea national team later.
At domestic level, Sinclair coached a number of clubs, most notably Sharks of Port Harcourt with distinction, and his legacy of hard work, unique teaching pedagogy, class and charisma will endure for decades to come.
At domestic level, Sinclair’s coaching journey began with the now-defunct Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he coached with distinction and earned a reputation as a talent developer. He later managed Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.
The news of Sinclair’s passing was confirmed on Wednesday by ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, who paid a heartfelt tribute to his former coach and mentor via Facebook.
Peterside wrote, “Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks FC and gave me my debut against Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The first day he saw me train, he asked, ‘Are you a boxer?’ He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found a football father.”
Widely admired for his sharp eye for talent and his lasting impact on grassroots football development in Nigeria, his death follows closely on the heels of the passing of another football icon, Peter Rufai, who battled a prolonged illness.
Indeed, Sinclair’s legacy of hard work, unique teaching pedagogy, class and charisma as a coach, scout, and football father figure will remain etched in the heart of Nigerian sports history for decades to come.
