Former Super Eagles head coach Adegboye Onigbinde has passed away at the age of 88.
The family of the respected football tactician confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday evening, paying tribute to a man they described as a great figure in Nigerian football and community leadership.
In the statement, the family expressed gratitude to God for what they called a fulfilled life.
“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, GRAND FATHER, GREAT GRAND FATHER, BROTHER, AND FRIEND HIGH CHIEF FESTUS ADEGBOYE ONIGBINDE WHO PASSED UNTO THE GREAT BEYOND A COUPLE OF MINUTES AGO.
WE THANK GOD FOR THE FULFILLED LIFE AND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NIGERIA NATION AND THE WORLD AS AN UNEQUALLED FOOTBALL COACH.
WE PRAY THAT YOUR SOUL WILL REST PERFECTLY IN THE BOSOM OF YOUR & OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
GOOD NIGHT TILL WE MEET TO PART NO MORE,” the family said.
Onigbinde was widely respected for his immense contributions to football development both in Nigeria and internationally.
Beyond his coaching career, he also served as an instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, where he played a key role in mentoring coaches and developing the game.
One of the highlights of his career came at the 1988 African Cup of Nations where he guided Nigeria to the final before the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
He also led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, becoming one of the few Nigerian coaches to manage the national team at the global showpiece.
Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of indigenous coaching in Nigerian football, Onigbinde leaves behind a lasting legacy in the development of the sport in the country.
The family added that details of his final funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
