High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, a respected Nigerian football coach and one of the country’s most influential tacticians, has died at age 88.
The Modakeke-born coach, who held a FIFA badge during his career, was born on March 5, 1938. He became widely known for his contribution to Nigerian football, both at club level and with the national team.
Onigbinde coached the Nigerian national team, the Nigeria national football team, and led them to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up. Years later, he returned to guide the team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
He was also widely recognised as the first indigenous Nigerian to coach the Super Eagles in the modern era, a role that placed him at the centre of the country’s football development during key periods.
A statement from the family confirmed his passing.
The message described him as a devoted father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. The family also highlighted his traditional title as a high chief in Modakeke and acknowledged his long service to Nigerian football.
They expressed gratitude to God for what they described as a fulfilled life and thanked him for his contributions to Nigeria and the global football community.
The family prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and said details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later.
