Former Super Eagles coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.
His family announced his passing in a statement signed by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, confirming that the respected football figure and community leader died on Monday, March 9.
“With deep gratitude to God for a life well lived, we announce the passing of this great man: a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian coach of the Super Eagles, a father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend — High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde,” the family said.
“We thank God for his fulfilled life and his contributions to the Nigeria nation and the world as an exceptional football coach. We pray that his soul rests in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night until we meet again.”
Onigbinde made history as the first indigenous coach of Nigeria’s national team, then known as the Green Eagles, which he managed between 1983 and 1984.
He guided the team to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up after losing to Cameroon in the final.
Years later, Onigbinde returned to lead the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
