Nigeria Mourns Veteran Football Coach Adegboye Onigbinde

Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88.

Family members confirmed his death on Monday, describing him as a respected football tactician and community leader who dedicated decades of his life to the development of the game in Nigeria.

Onigbinde was widely known for his contributions to Nigerian football over several decades. He handled the Super Eagles at different times in his career and led the national team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea.

During an earlier stint with the national team in the 1980s, he guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up.

Beyond coaching the national side, Onigbinde also contributed significantly to football administration and coaching development, mentoring younger coaches and promoting the growth of the sport across the country.

His death has triggered tributes from many within Nigeria’s football family, with several stakeholders remembering him as one of the pioneers of indigenous coaching in the country. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.