BREAKING: Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde dies at 88

Former coach of the Super Eagles, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.

The family confirmed his death in a statement made public on Monday, describing him as a highly respected football figure who made significant contributions to the development of the sport and his community.

“We announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke high chief, the 1st indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.”

“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigeria nation and the world as a unequalled football coach.”

The family also said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.

During his illustrious coaching career, Onigbinde became the first Nigerian manager to guide the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The competition was jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan.

He was widely known for promoting young talents in the national team and is credited with introducing legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to the Eagles. Under his guidance, Nigeria also finished as runners-up at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, winning the silver medal.

Beyond coaching, the Modakeke High Chief served for many years on the technical committees of both Confederation of African Football and FIFA. He was appointed an instructor by CAF in 1988 and later by FIFA in 1994, and frequently participated in their technical study groups during major tournaments.

In Nigeria, he also headed the technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation and later served as a member of its Technical Committee.