Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Coach Onigbinde
Last update: March 10, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
The late Onigbinde is remembered for leading Nigeria to 1984 AFCON Final and 2002 world cup.
President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with the family and associates of renowned football administrator and former Nigeria national team coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on Monday at the age of 88.
The President also extended his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues and football fans over the loss of the respected administrator.
Onigbinde distinguished himself in Nigerian football history as the first indigenous coach of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, in 1982.
CBI News reports that Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement, the President commended the late football tactician, who was also a Modakeke high chief, for his significant contributions to grassroots football development and sports administration in Nigeria.
According to Tinubu, Onigbinde played a vital role in strengthening football structures and nurturing young talents across the country.
The President also acknowledged the historic leadership of the veteran coach, who guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tinubu noted that the accomplished football manager would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and passion for the round-leather game.
He also prayed for the repose of the late coach and comfort for his family and loved ones.
Earlier, the family of the late football tactician confirmed his death in a statement issued on Monday and signed by a family member, 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 also expressed gratitude for the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach,” the statement added.
They noted that funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
Onigbinde enjoyed a distinguished coaching career that spanned several decades in Nigerian and African football.
He first handled the national team between 1982 and 1984, when it was still known as the Green Eagles.
During that period, he led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team lost 3–1 to the Cameroon national football team.
He later returned to the national team in 2002, guiding Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Onigbinde had taken over the role following the departure of the late national team coach, Shuaibu Amodu.
Beyond his coaching career, he also served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing to football development and the training of coaches across Africa and the global football community.
