President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences over the death of former Super Eagles head coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President sympathised with the late coach’s family, associates, and the Nigerian football community.
Tinubu also extended condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, as well as professional colleagues and fans of the veteran football administrator.
Tribute To A Football Icon
The President described Onigbinde as an accomplished football manager who would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the game.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Modakeke high chief to grassroots football development and football administration in Nigeria.
Onigbinde made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, when the national team was then known as the Green Eagles.
He later guided Nigeria to the 1984 final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
Family Announcement
The family confirmed his death in a statement signed by a relative, Bolade Adesuyi.
“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 read.
The family added that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Coaching Career
Onigbinde returned to coach the national team in 2002, leading Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup after replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu.
Beyond his coaching career, he also served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
