Photo: Onigbinde, Ex-Super Eagles Coach
By Mandy Park
Former Super Eagles coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88, bringing to an end a remarkable career that spanned several decades in Nigerian football.
The family announced his passing in a statement on Monday, describing him as a devoted father, husband, grandfather and respected football icon who lived a fulfilled life.
The statement, signed by Bolade Adesuyi, expressed gratitude to God for his life and immense contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and beyond.
Onigbinde, a high chief from Modakeke in Osun State, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians. He made history as the first indigenous coach to lead the national team, the Nigeria national football team, to the FIFA World Cup 2002, which was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
He first managed the national team between 1982 and 1984, guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up after losing to Cameroon national football team.
After several years away from the national team, Onigbinde returned in 2002 and led the Super Eagles to the World Cup in Asia, marking a historic milestone as the first Nigerian coach to take the team to football’s biggest global tournament.
Beyond his coaching career, the veteran tactician also served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing to the development of football coaching across Africa.
Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde celebrated his 88th birthday just days before his death on March 9, 2026.
Tributes have begun pouring in from the football community, with many describing him as a pioneer, mentor and passionate advocate for indigenous coaches in Nigerian football.
The family said details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later.
