Former Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88

By Kanu Samuel

Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88.

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, had celebrated his 88th birthday on 5 March.

His family announced his death on Monday in a WhatsApp message signed by a family member, 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 family added that funeral arrangements would be announced later.

Onigbinde first served as coach of the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984. He later returned to the national team in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu and guiding Nigeria to the World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

Nigeria were eliminated in the group stage after defeats to Argentina (1–0) and Sweden (2–1), and a goalless draw with England.

In 1984, Onigbinde led Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon.

Later that year, he became coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and guided the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they were beaten by Egypt’s Zamalek.

After leaving the national team role, Onigbinde remained a respected football tactician and later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.