Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde Dies at 88

F Former head coach of the Super Eagles, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has passed away at the age of 88.

The family of the late football tactician confirmed his death in a statement signed by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, describing him as a revered community leader, Modakeke High Chief and a pioneer in Nigerian football coaching.

“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 statement read.

The family also paid tribute to his enduring contributions to Nigeria and global football.

“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,” the statement added.

Onigbinde made history as the first indigenous Nigerian to coach the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, during his first tenure between 1983 and 1984.

During that period, he led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up after losing to the Cameroon national football team.

Years later, he returned to manage the Super Eagles and guided the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected football minds, Onigbinde played a significant role in shaping the country’s football development and mentoring generations of players and coaches.