Super Eagles, NFF In Mourning As Legendary Coach Onigbinde Passes Away

The Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have paid tribute to former national team coach Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88. According to reports, Onigbinde, who guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, died on Monday, with his family confirming the news through a message signed by Bolade Adesuyi.

His family described him as “a respected football figure and community leader” and prayed that “your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In a statement shared on on Tuesday, the Super Eagles mourned the loss of their former coach, commending his dedication and service to Nigerian football. “We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing. A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach,” the statement read.

The NFF also expressed profound grief over the death of the former Technical Director, calling it a significant loss to the sport. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi described Onigbinde as a towering figure in Nigerian football who “ate, drank, breathed, slept and lived in football development.” Sanusi added that Onigbinde’s counsel on football matters remained invaluable even in his later years and prayed for comfort for his family and the Nigerian football community.

Onigbinde first managed the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1982 and 1984, leading Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where they finished as runners-up after a 3-1 loss to Cameroon. He returned in 2002 to steer Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup following the exit of Shuaibu Amodu, with the team exiting in the group stage after narrow defeats to Argentina and Sweden and a draw with England.

Later, he served as NFF Technical Director and worked internationally as a technical adviser with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, including a stint with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, where he oversaw youth development.

Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s, rising to prominence in 1977 by leading Water Corporation FC to the quarter-finals of the African Champions Cup. He also guided Shooting Stars FC to the final of the competition in 1984, cementing his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential football figures.