Tinubu Pays Tribute To Late Onigbinde, Salutes His Football Legacy

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to the family and associates of the late football administrator and former Nigeria national football team head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. According to official statements from the presidency, Tinubu also extended condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans nationwide over the loss of the veteran administrator.

Onigbinde carved a distinguished place in Nigerian football history as the first indigenous coach of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, in 1982. The President, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late tactician as a pioneer whose contributions to grassroots football and sports administration have had a lasting impact on the nation.

Tinubu highlighted Onigbinde’s role in strengthening football structures and nurturing young talent across Nigeria. He also recognized the coach’s historic leadership in guiding the national team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984. According to the President, Onigbinde will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for football. Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family and loved ones.

The family of Onigbinde confirmed his passing in a statement on Monday, signed by Bolade Adesuyi. The statement read: “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 family expressed appreciation for the life he lived and the legacy he left behind, noting that funeral arrangements would be announced later.

Onigbinde enjoyed a long and distinguished coaching career spanning several decades in Nigerian and African football. He first led the national team between 1982 and 1984 and returned in 2002 to guide Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu. During his tenure, he took Nigeria to the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations final, where the team fell 3-1 to Cameroon. Beyond coaching, Onigbinde also served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, making significant contributions to football development both continentally and globally.