A former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led the country to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan/Korea, has died at the age of 88.
The coach’s family announced his passing on Monday via a WhatsApp message signed by a member of his family, Bolade Adesuyi.
The message 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.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.
“We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of your and our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night, till we meet to part no more.”
The announcement added that final funeral arrangements would be communicated later.
Onigbinde clocked 88 on March 5.
After a first stint as coach of the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984, Onigbinde returned to the dugout in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu and led Nigeria to the World Cup co-hosted by Japan/Korea.
Nigeria were eliminated in the group stage of the tournament after two defeats against Argentina (1–0) and Sweden (2–1), and a goalless draw against England.
In 1984, Onigbinde led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Nations Cup, where they lost 3–1 to Cameroon.
Later in 1984, he took over as coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and led the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they lost to Zamalek Sports Club of Egypt.
Since stepping down from the Eagles job, Onigbinde remained a highly respected Nigerian football tactician and later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
By: Abiodun Adewale
