By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, associates, and the Nigerian football community over the death of renowned football administrator and former Nigeria national football team head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde.
The President also sympathised with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), professional colleagues and fans of the veteran tactician, who made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982.
Tinubu’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement, the President commended the late Modakeke high chief for his contributions to grassroots football development and his role in strengthening football administration in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged Onigbinde’s historic leadership of the national team, particularly when he guided Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.
According to Tinubu, the accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and enduring passion for the game.
The President prayed for the repose of the late coach and comfort for his family.
Onigbinde’s family confirmed his death on Monday in a statement signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
“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,” the statement read.
The family expressed gratitude for his contributions to Nigeria and the global football community, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde first managed the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1982 and 1984. He later returned to the role in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu.
During the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, he led Nigeria to the final, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
Beyond his coaching career, Onigbinde also served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
