Tinubu leads national tributes as sports community mourns Onigbinde
The Nigerian sporting world is in a state of profound mourning following the passing of legendary football tactician and administrator, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on Monday, March 9, at
The Nigerian sporting world is in a state of profound mourning following the passing of legendary football tactician and administrator, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on Monday, March 9, at the age of 88.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the national mourning, sympathizing with the family and professional associates of the former Super Eagles head coach. Through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, President Tinubu lauded Onigbinde’s historic 1982 appointment as the first indigenous coach of the national team.
"The accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the round-leather game," Tinubu stated, noting his leadership in guiding Nigeria to the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) expressed deep sorrow, describing Onigbinde as an "enigma" whose impact resonates across the global football ecosystem. The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the legend's legacy would endure for generations.
"High Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde has been nothing short of a football legend," Olopade remarked. "His patriotism and constructive contributions to the development of Nigerian football over five decades—as a coach and a former CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor—cannot be overemphasized."
Honourable Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission and former NFF executive, described the late coach as a patriot who expanded opportunities for local coaching talent. As a fellow Osun patriot, she noted his life was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and the development of Nigeria's football heritage.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the passing as "the exit of a great man." They highlighted his tenure as NFF Technical Director and his role as the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria at a FIFA World Cup (2002).
Onigbinde was the first Nigerian to lead the Super Eagles at football’s flagship tournament, following in the footsteps of foreign predecessors. He also served as a Technical Instructor for FIFA and CAF, and as Technical Adviser for the Trinidad and Tobago youth teams.
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Locally, he guided Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs Cup in 1977 and seven years later, he led Ibadan giants Shooting Stars SC to the final of the same competition.
Meanwhile, Olumide Oyedeji, Secretary General of the World Olympians Association, urged Nigerians to uphold the discipline and "football intelligence" Onigbinde instilled in his players.
"He did not just coach; he engraved courage," Oyedeji noted. "Nigerians should take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose."
Beyond the touchline, Onigbinde was a revered educator. As a CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor, he travelled the world "training the trainers" and at some point served as the Technical Adviser of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.
The Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN) recalled his presence at their Nigerian launch, where he emphasized that education is the bedrock of coaching. FCAAN CEO Danny Nazzal remarked that Onigbinde’s "footprint on the sands of time will be difficult to match."
Born in Modakeke, the legend famously dropped the name "Festus" in 1960, choosing Adegboye ("a child born to reclaim a chieftaincy title").
His family, in a statement by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, expressed gratitude to God for a fulfilled life of service, adding funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
