Service of Songs Held in Honour of Late Football Coach, Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair
A solemn Service of Songs was held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, as family, friends, football enthusiasts, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Mr. Monday Perekeme Sinclair, a revered football coach, mentor, and former Nigerian international.
Born in 1936, Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair, fondly known as Coach Sinclair, dedicated his life to the development of football in Nigeria and beyond. A man of integrity, passion, and vision, he was widely respected for his football acumen, tactical intelligence, and commitment to grassroots development.
Sinclair was an ex-international who played for Nigeria’s senior national team — then known as the Green Eagles — making his debut in 1963. At club level, he featured for ECN Lagos, where his leadership and skill distinguished him as a player of exceptional character and ability.
After retiring from active play, Sinclair transitioned into coaching, guiding several top-tier Nigerian clubs, including Sharks FC, Rangers International, Heartland, Bayelsa United, Udoji United, and Niger Tornadoes. His influence extended beyond Nigeria when he took charge of Nzalang Nacional, the national team of Equatorial Guinea.
In 1997, he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles, overseeing friendly matches in Tunisia and Zambia following the exit of Frenchman Philippe Troussier. Beyond coaching, he was one of the few Nigerian football figures who documented his experiences in writing, using his works to inspire younger coaches and players across the continent.
The event brought together people from all walks of life, who gathered to honour a man whose contributions left an indelible mark on Nigerian football. The service featured moving tributes from family members, who described him as transparent, God-fearing, and disciplined — a man who never took what wasn’t his and who kept meticulous records in all his dealings.
The sermon, titled “Benefits of Dying in the Lord,” reminded attendees of the importance of living a life that pleases God and leaves a lasting legacy.
Among those present was the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who paid glowing tribute to the late coach. The Governor described him as a man of wisdom and dedication whose service and mentorship helped shape football development in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
“It will be improper and not complete if the state does not feature in this kind of programme, knowing the role late Monday Sinclair played in Rivers State when it comes to football. He was one-time our coach,” Governor Fubara said.
He further assured that the Rivers State Government would take deliberate steps to immortalise the memory of the late coach, saying, “On behalf of the state and as a friend to the family, I assure you that wherever we need to come in to immortalise the memory of this great man, we will do that.”
Governor Fubara also used the occasion to preach peace and unity, urging the family to find solace in God. “While we feel sad that he’s gone, we should also be happy that he has gone to be with the Lord — a place of rest where there is no insecurity or fear,” he said.
The Governor’s remarks, along with the heartfelt tributes shared, underscored the profound impact Coach Sinclair had on those who knew him and on generations of athletes he inspired.
As the service drew to a close, guests reflected on a life marked by humility, excellence, and faith. Though gone, Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair’s legacy as a player, coach, and mentor will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the game he helped shape.
