Former Nigeria Coach Festus Onigbinde Dies Aged 88
Last update: March 10, 2026
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Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern football coaching in Nigeria..
Nigeria has lost one of its most respected football figures after former national team coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde passed away at the age of 88, his family announced on Monday.
His family confirmed his death in a WhatsApp broadcast message signed by Bolade Adesuyi.
“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 statement said, adding that he died a few minutes earlier.
He made history as the first indigenous Nigerian coach of the national team, the Super Eagles, and played a key role in shaping the country’s football development.
Onigbinde guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished runners-up after losing to Cameroon.
He later returned to manage the Super Eagles after the coaching crew led by Shuaibu Amodu was dismissed following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s campaign at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea ended in the group stage, drawing criticism from some players, including striker Julius Aghahowa, who questioned some of the squad selections.
Despite the criticism, several members of that team went on to enjoy long and successful careers with the Super Eagles.
Beyond the national team, Onigbinde remained an influential figure in Nigerian football and served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing to the development of coaching across Africa.
