The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary Nigerian football tactician Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigerian football and the global sporting community.
Chief Onigbinde, who died at the age of 88, was widely regarded as one of the most respected coaches in the history of Nigerian football. Born in Modakeke, Osun State, the football icon dedicated decades of his life to developing the game and nurturing generations of players and coaches across the country.
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Reacting to the sad news, Hon. Adeboye said Nigeria has lost a father figure in football whose wisdom, discipline, and commitment helped shape the foundation of modern Nigerian coaching.
“Chief Adegboye Onigbinde was not just a coach; he was a teacher, a mentor, and a pioneer whose passion for football inspired countless young Nigerians. His dedication to the growth of indigenous coaching in Nigeria will forever remain a part of our sporting history,” Adeboye said.
The SSA noted that Onigbinde’s career was filled with remarkable milestones. He served as head coach of the Super Eagles in two different periods and famously led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, becoming one of the few indigenous Nigerian coaches to guide the national team on football’s biggest stage.
He also guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the then Green Eagles finished runners-up, further cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s finest football tacticians.
Beyond the national team, Chief Onigbinde contributed immensely to club football and coaching development in Africa. He served as a CAF and FIFA technical instructor, mentoring coaches and promoting professionalism in football administration across the continent.
Hon. Adeboye emphasized that Onigbinde’s legacy goes beyond results on the pitch, noting that his lifelong advocacy for discipline, integrity, and the development of local coaching talents remains a guiding light for Nigeria’s football ecosystem.
“At a time when grassroots sports development is gaining renewed attention, the life and philosophy of Chief Onigbinde remind us of the importance of building strong foundations through mentorship, discipline, and commitment to excellence,” he added.
The SSA extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late football icon, the Nigerian football community, former players, coaches, and administrators who benefited from his wisdom and leadership.
“Nigeria will forever remain grateful for his service, his vision, and his sacrifices for the game we all love. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give the entire football family the strength to bear this great loss,” Adeboye concluded.
Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde leaves behind an enduring legacy as a pioneer of indigenous coaching, a respected football strategist, and a true servant of Nigerian sports.
