President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to renowned football administrator and former Super Eagles head coach, Chief Festus Onigbinde.
Onigbinde’s family announced his death on Monday, in a statement issued by Mrs Bolade Adesuyi.
“With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of High Chief Festus Onigbinde, a Modakeke High Chief and Nigeria’s first indigenous Super Eagles coach,” she said.
Onigbinde, first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles, died on Monday at the age of 88.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, yesterday in Abuja, said the accomplished football manager would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and passion for the round-leather game.
The president also commended the contributions of the Modakeke high chief to grassroots football development and the strengthening of football administration in Nigeria.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), professional colleagues and football fans across the country.
He described Onigbinde as a distinguished sports administrator who left a lasting mark on Nigerian football.
The president noted that the late coach made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982.
Tinubu also acknowledged Onigbinde’s leadership in guiding the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.
He said the late football tactician’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches and sports administrators.
The president prayed for the repose of the departed and comfort for his family and loved ones.
Also yesterday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has mourned the former Technical Director and two-time Super Eagles Head Coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.
The NFF described his passing as the loss of a devoted football administrator who served the country wholeheartedly and contributed immensely to the development of the game.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, described the Modakeke high chief as an extraordinary achiever, who impacted Nigeria’s football and made significant contributions to the African and global game.
Sanusi said Onigbinde dedicated his life to football development and remained passionate about the growth of the game, offering guidance and advice even at an advanced age.
“Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Onigbinde lived and breathed football development, and we will miss him greatly,” he said.
He prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family, friends and Nigeria’s football fraternity the strength to bear the loss.
Globally respected for his deep tactical knowledge, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the NFF and Technical Adviser of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation for youth teams.
He also served for many years as a technical adviser to the Confederation of African Football and participated in several Technical Study Groups of FIFA and CAF at major championships.
Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s and gained national recognition in 1977 after leading Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs Cup.
In 1984, he guided Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan to the final of the same continental competition, further establishing his reputation as a top tactician.
A renowned teacher and instructor, he became the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior national team to a medal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He achieved the feat in 1984, winning a silver medal in Cote d’Ivoire with a team largely made up of rookies and a few experienced players.
Onigbinde later led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, becoming the first indigenous coach to manage Nigeria at the global tournament.
Nigeria lost narrowly to Argentina and Sweden and drew with England during the tournament, which featured a mix of emerging players and experienced stars.
Similarly, the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), through its Director-General Bukola Olopade, said the contributions and legacy of the late former Super Eagles coach, Festus Onigbinde, have helped shape the country’s football.
In a post on X, Olopade, who joined Nigeria’s football community in mourning the coach’s passing, added that his contributions cannot be overstated.
“A true Iroko has surely gone home.
“High Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde has been nothing short of a football legend and an enigma whose impact resonates across the global football ecosystem.
“His patriotism and constructive contributions to the development of Nigerian football over five decades cannot be overemphasised.
“His legacies as a former national team coach, former CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor will continue to shape the sport in decades to come.
“A true legend has truly gone home. Rest on, High Chief”, Olopade wrote on X.
After his coaching career, he served as an instructor for the NFF, CAF and FIFA, dedicating his time to training coaches and football administrators across the continent.
Others who paud tribute to the departed soccer tacticis were National Institute for Sports, Oyo and Osun State FAs.