Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde
Nigeria has lost one of its most respected football tacticians as former Super Eagles head coach Adegboye Onigbinde has passed away at the age of 88.
His family confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday and signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
The statement read:
“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde.”
The family added:
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.”
They noted that details of his burial arrangements would be announced at a later date.
Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the pioneers 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 an earlier stint with the then Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984.
In 1984, he guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up after losing 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
Beyond his time on the sidelines, Onigbinde also contributed to football development globally, serving as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, leaving behind a legacy of service, mentorship, and dedication to the growth of the sport.
