Renowned Nigerian football tactician and traditional titleholder, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde
, has died at the age of 88.
The elder statesman, who celebrated his 88th birthday on March 5, passed away on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by his family.
Onigbinde was widely respected as a Modakeke High Chief, an accomplished football administrator and one of the pioneering indigenous coaches to manage Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles.
In a statement released on behalf of the family by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, the late football icon was described as a man who lived a fulfilled life and made immense contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and beyond. The family expressed gratitude to God for what they called a life marked by service, dedication and lasting impact.
“We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of your and our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night, till we meet to part no more,” the statement read, adding that details of the final funeral arrangements would be announced later.
During his illustrious coaching career, Onigbinde first handled Nigeria’s national team between 1982 and 1984 when it was known as the Green Eagles. He later returned to the dugout in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu, and guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea.
At the tournament, Nigeria faced a tough group, losing 1–0 to Argentina national football team and 2–1 to Sweden national football team, before playing a goalless draw against England national football team, which ended their campaign at the group stage.
In 1984, Onigbinde led Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
Later that year, he took charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and guided the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they were defeated by Zamalek SC.
Even after stepping down from national team duties, Onigbinde remained an influential voice in football development. He later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, mentoring coaches and contributing to the growth of the sport across Africa.
Until his passing, he remained one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians, remembered for his dedication to grassroots development and nurturing young talents.
