Adegboye Onigbinde, former head coach of the Nigeria national football team, has passed away at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his death on Monday in a WhatsApp message signed by Bolade Adesuyi. In the statement, the family expressed gratitude to God for what they described as a fulfilled life and paid tribute to Onigbinde as a respected football coach, Modakeke High Chief, and devoted family man.
The message highlighted his legacy as the first indigenous Nigerian coach of the Super Eagles and praised his contributions to Nigerian football and the nation at large. The family also prayed for his soul to rest in peace and said funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde, who celebrated his 88th birthday on March 5, had a distinguished career in football as both a coach and technical expert. He first managed the national team—then known as the Green Eagles—from 1982 to 1984. He later returned in 2002, replacing Shuaibu Amodu, and led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
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During the tournament, Nigeria was eliminated in the group stage after a 1–0 loss to Argentina national football team and a 2–1 defeat to Sweden national football team, before ending their campaign with a goalless draw against the England national football team.
Earlier in his career, Onigbinde guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished runners-up after losing 3–1 to the Cameroon national football team.
At club level, he also managed Shooting Stars SC, leading them to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1984, where they were defeated by Zamalek SC.
Even after leaving the national team role, Onigbinde remained influential in football, serving as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
He is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians and administrators.
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