Ex-Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88

Ex-Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88

LAGOS — Former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.

The veteran football tactician reportedly passed away on Monday, according to a statement released by his family.

In the announcement signed by family representative Bolade Adesuyi, the late coach was described as a respected football administrator, community leader and Modakeke High Chief, whose contributions to Nigerian football spanned several decades.

Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of indigenous football coaching in Nigeria and played a major role in the development of the country’s national team.

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The late tactician first handled the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, in the early 1980s. He guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up.

Years later, he returned to manage the national team and led the Nigeria national football team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the most significant moments of his coaching career.

Beyond national team duties, Onigbinde served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and Fédération Internationale de Football Association, contributing to coaching education and football development across Africa.

Born on March 5, 1938, in Modakeke, Osun State, the late football icon was respected for his discipline, technical knowledge of the game and commitment to nurturing young talents.

Tributes have begun to pour in from players, football administrators and fans across the country following news of his death.

The family said details of his funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Ex-Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88