Israel Oluyemi
Former two-time Super Eagles coach and Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.
Onigbinde’s death prompted tributes from the NFF and the football community for his decades-long contributions to the sport in Nigeria and beyond.
He dedicated his life to developing football, mentoring coaches, guiding national teams, and advising football federations across Africa and internationally.
His career included advisory roles in Trinidad and Tobago and active participation in FIFA and CAF tournaments.
Onigbinde gained prominence in the 1960s, achieving continental success with Water Corporation FC and Shooting Stars FC.
He led Nigeria to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations and became the first indigenous coach to manage the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan.
After retiring from coaching, he trained coaches and football administrators, leaving a lasting impact on football development.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi described him as “an extraordinary achiever, who impacted Nigeria’s football and made significant contributions to the African and global game.”
Sanusi added, “Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Onigbinde lived and breathed football development, and we will miss him greatly,” while praying for strength for his family and Nigeria’s football fraternity.