Former Nigeria national football team head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has passed away at the age of 88, his family confirmed on Monday evening.
In a statement, the family described him as a towering figure in Nigerian football and community leadership.
“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man… High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde,” the statement read in part. The family also expressed thanks to God for what they described as a fulfilled life and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
A Modakeke high chief, Onigbinde was widely respected for his contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and across Africa. He was a strong advocate for indigenous coaching and played a key role in promoting locally trained coaches within the country’s football system.
One of the highlights of his career came during the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, where he led Nigeria to the final. The team ultimately finished as runners-up after a 3–1 loss to the Cameroon national football team.
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Onigbinde also made history as the first indigenous coach to guide Nigeria at a FIFA World Cup, leading the Super Eagles to the 2002 edition held in South Korea and Japan.
Beyond his national team achievements, Onigbinde was a pioneer of indigenous coaching in Nigerian football. He contributed significantly to the game’s growth through his work as an instructor for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, mentoring coaches and supporting football development initiatives across the continent.
The family said details regarding his funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.