Manny Ita –
Former Nigeria national team coach and veteran football tactician, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has passed away. His family confirmed the news on Monday, describing him as a revered patriarch and a foundational figure in Nigerian football history.
In a statement released on behalf of the family, Bolade Adesuyi announced the death of the Modakeke High Chief, stating, “With great gratitude to God for a life well spent. We announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the 1st indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.” The family did not disclose a cause of death.
Onigbinde was widely recognized for his influence on the tactical development of Nigerian football. He was among the first indigenous coaches to secure elite qualifications, having earned a German Grade A coaching license in 1976 and further training in Brazil in 1981. Appointed head coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, he led the team to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up.
His coaching career also featured significant success at the club level, most notably with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan. In 1984, he guided the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, now known as the CAF Champions League. Years later, he returned to the national team helm to lead the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Beyond his time on the sidelines, Onigbinde served in various administrative and technical roles within the Nigeria Football Federation, including as Technical Director. In these positions, he was instrumental in shaping youth development policies and coaching education standards. Throughout his later years, he remained a prominent commentator on the state of Nigerian football. Onigbinde is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family; funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
