Nigeria has lost one of its most respected football tacticians, former Super Eagles head coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed the news in a statement issued Monday and signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
The statement reads:
High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, has passed away. We thank God for a life well spent.”
The family continued.
“We thank God for your fulfilled life and contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an exceptional football coach.”
They stated that details about his burial arrangements would be announced at a later date.
Onigbinde was widely regarded as a pioneer of modern football coaching in Nigeria. During his illustrious career, he led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, returning to manage the national team after a stint with the then-Green Eagles in 1982 and 1984.
In 1984, he led Nigeria to the final of the African Cup of Nations, where they finished second after losing 3-1 to the Cameroon national team.
In addition to his time on the sidelines, Onigbinde contributed to global football development by working as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
His death marks the end of an era in Nigerian football, leaving a legacy of service, mentorship, and commitment to the sport’s development.
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