Former Super Eagles’ head coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has been described as a Nigerian icon who symbolised discipline, courage and football discipline, Sports247 reports.
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These accolades on the former coach, who won silver for Nigeria at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire and took the Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, came from the director-general of National Institute for Sports (NIS), Honourable Philip Shaibu, during a visit to the legend.
Shaibu, who is also the NIS’ chief executive officer, met the 87-year-old Onigbinde at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State, along with some senior officials of the institute and president of Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso.
The former deputy governor of Edo State explained that the visit was an acknowledgement of Onigbinde’s role in the growth, development and glorious days of Nigerian football.
Shaibu also recalled the Modakeke high chief’s huge impact as a CAF and FIFA technical instructor, through which he mentored coaches and contributed immensely to football education in Nigeria.
The NIS top shot further described the retired tactician as a foundation and pillar of Nigerian football, even as he noted the importance of honouring sports legends while they are still alive.
Shaibu affirmed with glowing encomiums, “Coach Onigbinde represents an era of discipline, courage and football intelligence.
“At the National Institute for Sports, we believe that our legends must be celebrated, respected and preserved as national treasures; while we also tap from their experience and wisdom in navigating our core mandate.”
