Super Eagles, NFF Mourn Former Coach Adegboyega Onigbinde

The Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have paid tribute to former national team coach Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, who died at the age of 88.

Naija News reports that Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, passed away on Monday. His family confirmed the news in a WhatsApp message signed by Bolade Adesuyi.

They described him as “a respected football figure and community leader” and prayed that “your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In a statement posted on 𝕏 on Tuesday, the Super Eagles mourned the former coach and hailed his service to the national team.

“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,” the team said.

The NFF also expressed grief over the death of the former Technical Director, describing him as a major loss to the sport.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the Modakeke high chief left a deep mark on football in Nigeria and beyond.

Sanusi said, “Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Chief Onigbinde ate, drank, breathed, slept and lived in football development. We will miss him greatly, as he was never tired of advising on the game’s development even at his ripe old age. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest, and also grant his family, relations, friends and the Nigerian football fraternity the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Onigbinde first took charge of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1982 and 1984. He guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where the team finished runners-up after a 3-1 defeat by the Cameroon national football team.

He returned to the dugout in 2002 following the exit of Shuaibu Amodu and led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The team bowed out in the group stage after narrow defeats to Argentina and Sweden, and a draw with England.

Onigbinde later served as Technical Director of the NFF and worked internationally as a technical adviser with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

He also spent time with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, where he oversaw youth development.

Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s and rose to prominence in 1977 after leading Water Corporation FC to the quarter-finals of the African Champions Cup. He later guided Ibadan giants Shooting Stars FC to the final of the competition in 1984.