National Sports Commission Mourns Nigerian Football Icon, Adegboye Onigbinde

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed profound sadness at the passing of High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, former Super Eagles coach, hailing him as a colossal figure in Nigerian football history.

Pa Onigbinde, a revered football tactician and administrator, famously guided Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. His dedication to football development, both nationally and internationally, spanned several decades.

Responding to the somber news, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, described the late football legend as a monumental figure whose legacy will resonate for generations.

“A true Iroko has surely gone home. High Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde has been nothing short of a football legend and an enigma whose impact resonates across the global football ecosystem.”

Hon. Olopade highlighted the late Modakeke High Chief’s more than five decades of commitment to advancing Nigerian football through coaching, mentorship, and technical leadership.

“His patriotism and constructive contributions to the development of Nigerian football over five decades cannot be overemphasized. His legacies as a former national team coach and a former CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor will continue to shape the sport in decades to come.”

“A true legend has indeed gone home. High Chief Onigbinde was not just a coach; he was a teacher, mentor, and an enduring symbol of dedication to Nigerian football.”

Widely recognised as a pioneer of modern football development in Nigeria, Onigbinde also served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, where he significantly contributed to coaching education and football development programmes across the continent.

The National Sports Commission extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire Nigerian football community following the passing of the esteemed Modakeke High Chief, whose influence on the game will forever remain indelible.