- Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88.
- His family announced his passing, describing him as a respected football tactician who made significant contributions to Nigerian football.
- Onigbinde led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and also guided the national team to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations.
Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 88.
The family of the veteran football tactician announced his passing on Monday in a WhatsApp message signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
The message 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.
“We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of your and our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night, till we meet to part no more.”
They also stated that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde celebrated his 88th birthday on March 5.
He first served as coach of the Nigeria national football team—then known as the Green Eagles—between 1982 and 1984. In 2002, he returned to the role, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu, and led Nigeria to the World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
At the tournament, Nigeria finished third in their group after defeats to Argentina and Sweden, and a goalless draw against England.
In 1984, Onigbinde guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon.
Later that same year, he took charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and led the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they were defeated by Egypt’s Zamalek SC.
After leaving the national team job, Onigbinde remained a respected figure in football and later served as a technical instructor for both Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
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