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Former Nigeria Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led the country to the 2002 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in Japan/Korea has died at the age of 88.
His family announced his passing on Monday in a message signed by a relative, Bolade Adesuyi.
According to the family, Onigbinde’s death marked the end of a life devoted to football and service to the nation.
They described him as a respected Modakeke High Chief and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished football figures.
The family expressed gratitude to God for what they called a fulfilled life, noting his role as a pioneering indigenous coach of the national team as well as a devoted father, husband, grandfather and friend.
They also acknowledged his contributions to Nigerian football and the global sporting community.
The message read, “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.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.”
Funeral arrangements, the statement added, will be announced at a later date.
Onigbinde famously guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea.
His return to the national team in 2002 marked his second stint as head coach, having earlier managed the then Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984 after succeeding Shuaibu Amodu.
In 1984, he led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up after a 3-1 defeat to Cameroon national football team.
Beyond his coaching career, Onigbinde also served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
