NFF Mourns Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Technical Director and two-time head coach of the Nigeria national football team, Adegboye Onigbinde.
Onigbinde, who died on Monday at the age of 88, was described by the federation as a devoted football administrator who served Nigeria wholeheartedly and contributed significantly to the growth of the sport.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the announcement of his death was made in a statement issued by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi on behalf of his family.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, described the Modakeke high chief as an outstanding achiever whose impact extended beyond Nigeria to African and global football.
He noted that Onigbinde dedicated his life to football development and remained passionate about the progress of the game, offering advice and mentorship even in his later years.
“Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Onigbinde lived and breathed football development, and we will miss him greatly,” Sanusi said, while praying for God to grant the late coach eternal rest and comfort his family and the football community.
Widely respected for his tactical knowledge, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the NFF and also worked as Technical Adviser for youth teams of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. He also spent several years as a technical adviser to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and participated in Technical Study Groups organised by both CAF and FIFA at major international tournaments.
He began his coaching career in the 1960s and gained national prominence in 1977 after leading Water Corporation FC Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs Cup.
In 1984, he guided Shooting Stars FC to the final of the same competition, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s leading tacticians.
Onigbinde also made history as the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior national team to a medal at the Africa Cup of Nations. He achieved the feat in 1984 when Nigeria won a silver medal in Côte d’Ivoire with a squad largely made up of young players.
He later led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first indigenous coach to manage Nigeria at the global tournament.
Nigeria narrowly lost to Argentina national football team and Sweden national football team, while drawing with England national football team during the competition.
Following his coaching career, Onigbinde served as an instructor for the NFF, CAF and FIFA, dedicating his time to mentoring coaches and football administrators across Africa.
