President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to the family, associates, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), professional colleagues, and fans following the passing of renowned football administrator and former Super Eagles head coach, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde.
Onigbinde, who died on Monday at the age of 88, was widely celebrated as the first indigenous Nigerian coach of the Super Eagles in 1982. He guided the team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1984 and later led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
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In a condolence message released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Onigbinde as a trailblazer whose contributions shaped grassroots football and strengthened football administration in Nigeria.
The President stated: “Chief Adegboye Onigbinde will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and unwavering passion for the round-leather game. His historic leadership of the Super Eagles to the AFCON final in 1984 and qualification for the 2002 World Cup remain enduring milestones in our football history.
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“I extend heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the NFF, NSC, colleagues, and fans across the country. May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all those mourning his departure.”
The late Onigbinde’s family announced his passing in a statement signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi: “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.
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“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.”
Legacy of High Chief Onigbinde After his first stint with the Green Eagles (1982–1984), Onigbinde returned to coach Nigeria in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu. Beyond club and national team management, he served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, contributing significantly to coach education across the continent.
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Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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