Nigeria is mourning the death of former Super Eagles head coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88.
The family of the veteran football tactician confirmed his death on Monday, March 9, 2026, in a statement signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi. The statement described Onigbinde as a revered community leader, football coach and Modakeke High Chief who lived a fulfilled life and made immense contributions to Nigerian football.
Onigbinde, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected football administrators, was born on March 5, 1938, in Modakeke, Osun State. He was the first indigenous Nigerian to coach the national team and led the Nigeria national football team on two occasions.
During his first stint between 1982 and 1984, he guided the then Green Eagles to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished runners-up after losing to Cameroon national football team.
He later returned as national team coach in 2002, leading Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. At the tournament, Nigeria exited in the group stage after matches against Argentina national football team, Sweden national football team, and England national football team.
Beyond coaching, Onigbinde was a respected technical instructor for both Confederation of African Football and FIFA, and was known for mentoring generations of African coaches and advocating for indigenous technical development in football.
Tributes have begun to pour in from football administrators, former players and fans across Nigeria, who describe him as a pioneer of indigenous coaching and a towering figure in the country’s football history.
The family said details of funeral arrangements will be announced later.
