Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, a former national team coach who passed away at the age of 88, was honored by the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Onigbinde, who guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, died on Monday, according to Naija News. In a WhatsApp message signed by Bolade Adesuyi, his family verified the information.
They prayed that “your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ” and referred to him as “a respected football figure and community leader.”
The Super Eagles lamented the departed coach and praised his service to the national team in a statement released on 𝕏 on Tuesday.
After Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, our former coach, passed away, we offer our condolences to his family. An esteemed leader who genuinely serves Nigerian football. The players said, “Coach, rest in peace.”
The NFF also expressed sorrow at the former Technical Director’s passing, calling him a significant loss to the sport.
The Modakeke high chief had a significant impact on football in Nigeria and beyond, according to NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
“Yes, a large tree has fallen,” Sanusi remarked. Chief Onigbinde lived, breathed, ate, drank, and slept in football development. Even at his advanced age, he never stopped offering advice on the game’s progress, thus we will miss him terribly. We ask God to provide him everlasting rest as well as the strength to cope with this significant loss for his family, friends, and the Nigerian football community.
From 1982 to 1984, Onigbinde led the Green Eagles, the national team at the time. He led Nigeria to the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Côte d’Ivoire, where they were defeated 3-1 by the Cameroonian national football team and placed second.
After Shuaibu Amodu’s departure in 2002, he took over as coach and guided Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup. Following close losses to Argentina and Sweden as well as a draw with England, the team was eliminated in the group stage.
Later, Onigbinde was the NFF’s Technical Director. He also worked abroad as a technical adviser for FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Additionally, he managed youth development for the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation.
Onigbinde started his coaching career in the 1960s and became well-known in 1977 after guiding Water Corporation FC to the African Champions Cup quarterfinals. Later, in 1984, he led Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan to the championship final.
