Former head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died.
The family of the respected football tactician confirmed his passing on Monday, describing him as a revered patriarch and a towering figure in Nigerian football.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Bolade Adesuyi announced the death of the Modakeke High Chief, expressing gratitude for what was described as a life devoted to service, family, and the development of football in Nigeria.
“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, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago,” the statement read.
The family did not immediately disclose the cause of death.
Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the most influential football tacticians in Nigeria, with a coaching and administrative career that spanned several decades.
His technical expertise was strengthened early in his career when he obtained a German Grade A coaching licence in 1976, making him one of the few Nigerian coaches at the time with elite international coaching qualifications.
He further expanded his knowledge in 1981 when he attended a coaching course in Brazil, an uncommon opportunity for African coaches during that period.
In 1982, Onigbinde was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, becoming one of the earliest indigenous Nigerians to lead the country’s senior national team.
Under his guidance, Nigeria reached the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. The team finished as runners-up after losing to Cameroon in the final.
Despite the impressive tournament run, he was relieved of his duties shortly after the competition.
At the club level, Onigbinde recorded significant success with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan. In 1984, he guided the Nigerian club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, now known as the CAF Champions League, where they narrowly lost to Egyptian side Zamalek.
Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team during a challenging period and was appointed coach ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Although Nigeria did not progress beyond the group stage, the tournament marked his appearance as a World Cup coach and reaffirmed his standing in the country’s football history.
Beyond coaching, Onigbinde also played key roles in football administration. He served in technical capacities within the Nigeria Football Federation, including as Technical Director, where he contributed to the development of coaching education and youth football policies.
In his later years, the veteran tactician remained an influential voice in Nigerian football, regularly offering insights on coaching standards, grassroots development, and the governance of the sport.
Onigbinde is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
The family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
