Dignitaries Storm Bomadi as Football Icon Monday Sinclair Gets Final Farewell
Bomadi, Delta State — Bomadi was transformed into a centre of celebration and reflection as family members, friends, community leaders, and high-profile dignitaries gathered to honour the life and legacy of renowned Nigerian football icon, Monday Sinclair, who passed away at the age of 88.
The funeral proceedings opened with an emotional open-air service, where the officiating minister urged attendees to live lives rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and to embrace service to God and humanity. He offered prayers for the Sinclair family and made an altar call for those wishing to rededicate their lives to Christ.
Late Monday Sinclair, fondly known as “The Professor”, was widely respected for his deep football knowledge, mentorship, and decades of contribution to Nigerian sports development.
A native of Bomadi-Ijaw, Sinclair was a former Green Eagles player in the 1960s and served as Interim Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 1997.
He was best known for his work as a grassroots developer and talent scout, credited with discovering and nurturing several prominent footballers, including: Peter Rufai, Finidi George, Taribo West, Idah Peterside
Sinclair also coached top Nigerian clubs, most notably Sharks FC (now Rivers United), where he was regarded as a father figure to many rising talents.
The massive turnout at the burial ceremony reflected the profound respect Sinclair commanded across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries present were:
Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ehie, Ph.D, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong (Commissioner for Local Government Affairs), Hon. Sokari Goodboy, Hon. Dr. David Owerji, Hon. Aye Pepple, Hon. Chief Emeka Beke, Dr. Henry Wordu, Hon. Sibo Briggs, Hon. Datubo Pepple, Mr. Sotonye Isaac, Jonathan Okpala, Hon. Akata, Rt. Hon. Akan Tommey, Chief Tony Chukwu, Obong Akan Udofia, Pius Malaka, Sir Clement George (BOTIS BOYZ COMPANY), Sir Marcus Nle Ejii
Otunba Wale Coker, Chief Phil Aniele, John Akpan, Chief Augustus Ekerebor, Paul Ashe Aserioto (partially unclear), Chief Chibuike Oparaji, Prince Opukiri Jones-Ere, Alhaji Nur Danu, Dr. Angozi Amakazi Braduce, Ph.D & Mrs. Braduce, Hon. Paul Akurugbe, Dr. Kenneth Irhue
Their presence signifies the far-reaching impact of Sinclair’s work, not only in football but also in mentorship, community development, and youth upliftment.
Speakers at the event described Monday Sinclair as a disciplinarian, visionary, and community pillar whose passion for football and youth development shaped lives across the country.
As songs filled the air and tributes poured in, Bomadi bid farewell to a man widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Nigerian football development.
