Former Super Eagles head coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde has passed away, according to a statement released by his family.
In the announcement, the family wrote:
“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 who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.”
Chief Onigbinde was a respected voice in Nigerian football and a pioneer in the country’s coaching history.
He first managed the Nigerian national team between 1982 and 1984, leading the side to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished runners-up after a 3–1 defeat to Cameroon national football team.
Onigbinde later returned for a second stint as head coach in 2002, guiding Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
At the tournament, the Super Eagles finished bottom of their group after losses to Argentina national football team and Sweden national football team, and a draw with England national football team.
Onigbinde also enjoyed success with Shooting Stars Sports Club, leading the Nigerian side to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Champions Clubs.
Known for his deep knowledge of the game, he held several prestigious coaching qualifications, including a German Grade A coaching license and a Brazilian coaching license.
Chief Onigbinde’s contributions to Nigerian football both on the touchline and as an elder statesman of the game leave a lasting legacy.
