Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Super Eagles have paid glowing tributes to former Nigeria national team coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, following his death at the age of 88.
Onigbinde, who guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, died on Monday. His family confirmed the development in a message signed by Bolade Adesuyi, describing the late football tactician as a respected figure in Nigerian football and a community leader.
Reacting to the news, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the veteran coach, describing his death as a significant loss to Nigeria and the football community.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said Onigbinde’s contributions to the development of Nigerian football would remain indelible.
“The death of Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of the best Nigerian coaches in football history. He was a highly respected Nigerian soccer tactician and served as a CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor for many years,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor noted that the Modakeke-born football administrator distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s most respected coaches and sports administrators.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that Onigbinde first served as head coach of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1982 and 1984, leading Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations where the team finished as runners-up.
He also highlighted the late coach’s achievements at club level, including guiding Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan to the final of the 1984 Africa Club Champions Cup.
According to the governor, Onigbinde’s wealth of experience and leadership were again called upon in 2002 when he was appointed to lead the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup.
“He was a respected football icon and leader who made positive impacts during his lifetime. He would be sorely missed,” Sanwo-Olu added.
The governor extended his condolences to the Onigbinde family, the Osun State Government, the Nigerian Football Federation, and football fans across the country, urging them to take solace in the impactful life the late coach lived.
“I pray to God for eternal peace for the late Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and grant the family, friends, and football fans the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Similarly, the Super Eagles paid tribute to the former coach in a message posted on their official X handle on Tuesday.
“We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing. A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach,” the team wrote.
Onigbinde first managed the national team in the early 1980s, guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon.
He returned to lead the Super Eagles in 2002 after replacing the late coach Shuaibu Amodu. Under his leadership, Nigeria competed at the FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea but exited at the group stage after defeats to Argentina and Sweden, and a draw against England.
After retiring from active coaching, Onigbinde remained actively involved 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.
