President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to the family, associates, and the Nigerian football community following the death of renowned football administrator and former Super Eagles head coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.
Onigbinde, a respected figure in Nigerian football circles, died on Monday at the age of 88.
In a condolence message released on Tuesday, President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football enthusiasts across the country over the passing of the veteran tactician.
The statement, issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late football administrator as a trailblazer who made lasting contributions to the growth of the game in Nigeria.
Tinubu commended Onigbinde’s dedication to grassroots football development and his role in strengthening football administration in the country.
He also highlighted the historic significance of the late coach, who became the first indigenous manager of the Nigerian national team in 1982.
“The accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the round-leather game,” the President said in the statement.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and asked God to grant comfort to his family and loved ones.
Earlier, the family of the former national team coach confirmed his death in a message issued on Monday and signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
Onigbinde’s career spanned several decades and left a significant imprint on Nigerian football.
He coached the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984 and led the national team to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up after a 3–1 defeat to Cameroon.
Years later, he returned to the national team setup and guided Nigeria to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
The Super Eagles, however, exited the tournament at the group stage after losing 1–0 to Argentina, 2–1 to Sweden, and drawing goalless with England.
At the club level, Onigbinde also enjoyed notable achievements. In 1984, he took charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and led the team to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they were narrowly defeated by Egypt’s Zamalek SC.
Beyond coaching, the Modakeke High Chief remained an influential voice in football development.
He later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the world football governing body, FIFA, contributing to coaching education and football administration across the continent.
Until his death, Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians and administrators.
