Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies Aged 88

Adegboye Onigbinde, the esteemed former coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles who guided the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, has passed away at the age of 88.

His family confirmed his death on Monday through a WhatsApp message, signed by family member Bolade Adesuyi. The poignant message read: “With immense gratitude to God for a life well lived, we announce the passing of this remarkable 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 further expressed their thanks for his “fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.” They concluded with a prayer for his soul to “rest perfectly in the bosom of your and our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night, till we meet to part no more.” Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.

Onigbinde’s managerial career included an initial spell with the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984. He returned to the national team’s helm in 2002, succeeding the late Shuaibu Amodu, and steered Nigeria to the World Cup. During the tournament, Nigeria exited at the group stage following defeats to Argentina (1–0) and Sweden (2–1), and a goalless draw with England.

In 1984, Onigbinde led Nigeria to the final of the African Nations Cup, where they were defeated 3–1 by Cameroon. Later that year, he took charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan, guiding them to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they lost to Egypt’s Zamalek Sports Club.