TDPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined Nigeria’s football community in mourning following the death of High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, the pioneering tactician who became the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles.
He passed away at the age of 88 after a brief illness, including a partial stroke, at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
A Family’s Tribute to Onigbinde
In a heartfelt statement, his daughter Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi announced:
“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the 1st indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.”
Football Legacy
Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde’s career spanned decades of service to Nigerian football:
- Super Eagles Coach (1982–1984): Guided Nigeria to the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, earning a silver medal after a narrow defeat to Cameroon.
- Return in 2002: Qualified Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, becoming the first indigenous coach to achieve this milestone. Though the team exited in the group stage, his leadership was historic.
- Club Success: Managed Shooting Stars SC, leading them to the final of the African Club Champions Cup, precursor to the CAF Champions League.
Onigbinde was widely respected for his emphasis on discipline, grassroots development, and indigenous leadership, shaping the foundations of modern Nigerian football.
Tributes Pour In for the Late Onigbinde
President Tinubu wished Onigbinde a peaceful rest.
Tinubu praised Onigbinde’s legacy, extending condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, colleagues, and fans.
On its part, the Super Eagles official account posted:
“We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing.
“A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described his death as a “great blow to Nigerian sports.”
Funeral Arrangements
The family has indicated that funeral details will be announced in due course.
Onigbinde’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football.
His contributions as a coach, administrator, and community leader remain etched in the nation’s sporting history.
For many, he embodied the dream of a self-reliant Nigerian football culture, proving that indigenous leadership could take the Super Eagles to the world stage.
