President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran football coach and administrator Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, describing him as a major figure in the growth and development of football in Nigeria.
Onigbinde, a former head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Nigeria national football team, died on Monday at the age of 88. His passing was confirmed by members of his family in a statement released shortly after his death.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president sympathised with the late coach’s family, friends and professional associates. He also extended condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, as well as football enthusiasts across the country who followed Onigbinde’s long career in the sport.
Tinubu praised the late football tactician for his dedication to the development of Nigerian football, particularly his role in nurturing young talents at the grassroots level and contributing to the advancement of football administration in the country.
The president noted that Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, strong principles and passion for the game, describing his legacy as one that helped shape Nigeria’s football history.
Onigbinde made history in 1982 when he became the first indigenous Nigerian to coach the national team, then known as the Green Eagles. During his first stint between 1982 and 1984, he led the team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984, where Nigeria finished as runners-up after losing 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
Years later, he returned to lead the national team again and guided Nigeria to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea. He took charge of the team after replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu.
Beyond his coaching career, Onigbinde also served as a technical instructor for continental and global football bodies, including the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing to coaching development programmes across Africa.
In the family’s announcement of his death, a relative, Bolade Adesuyi, described the late coach as a devoted family man and respected community leader. The statement highlighted his roles as a husband, father, grandfather and Modakeke high chief, and thanked God for what it described as a life of service and accomplishment.
The family added that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Onigbinde’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.
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