Nigeria has bid farewell to one of its most revered football tacticians as former Nigeria national football team coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, passed away at the age of 88.
The announcement was made on Monday by the family through a statement signed by Bolade Adesuyi, expressing gratitude to God for a fulfilled and impactful life. The late coach was described as a Modakeke High Chief, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and national figure whose contributions to Nigerian football remain unforgettable. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Born on March 5, Onigbinde was widely celebrated as the first indigenous coach to lead the Super Eagles on the global stage. In 1984, he guided the national team—then known as the Green Eagles—to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where they were narrowly defeated 3–1 by the Cameroon national football team.
He returned to the helm in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu, and led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. At the tournament, the Super Eagles exited at the group stage following defeats to Argentina national football team and Sweden national football team, and a draw against England national football team.
At club level, Onigbinde achieved notable success with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, guiding them to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1984, where they lost to Egypt’s Zamalek SC.
Following his coaching career, he continued to shape African football as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
Onigbinde was widely respected in the football community for his tactical acumen, discipline, and lifelong dedication to developing the game in Nigeria and across the continent. His legacy remains a benchmark for generations of Nigerian coaches and players.
