Adegboye Onigbinde, former head coach of the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, has died at the age of 88.
The family of the veteran football tactician confirmed his death on Monday, describing him as a respected patriarch and a towering figure in Nigerian football.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Bolade Adesuyi announced the passing of the Modakeke High Chief, noting that he lived a fulfilled and impactful life.
“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 said.
Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians, with a coaching and administrative career that spanned several decades.
He was among the earliest Nigerian coaches to earn elite international coaching qualifications, obtaining a German Grade A coaching licence in 1976. In 1981, he further broadened his technical expertise by attending an advanced coaching programme in Brazil at a time when few African coaches had access to such opportunities.
In 1982, he was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, becoming one of the earliest indigenous Nigerians to manage the senior national team.
During his tenure, Nigeria reached the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, finishing as runners-up after losing to Cameroon national football team.
Despite the team’s impressive performance, he was relieved of his duties shortly after the tournament.
Beyond his contributions at the national level, Onigbinde also enjoyed success in club football, particularly with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.
In 1984, he guided the Nigerian club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs — now known as the CAF Champions League — where they narrowly lost to Egyptian side Zamalek SC.
Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team during a challenging period and was appointed coach ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Onigbinde is survived by his children, grandchildren and other members of his extended family. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
