President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with the family and associates of renowned football administrator and former Nigeria national football team head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on Monday at the age of 88.
The President also extended his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans over the loss of the respected administrator.
Onigbinde distinguished himself in Nigerian football history as the first indigenous coach of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, in 1982.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement, the President commended the late football tactician, who was also a Modakeke high chief, for his immense contributions to the development of grassroots football and sports administration in Nigeria.
Tinubu noted that Onigbinde played a significant role in strengthening football structures and nurturing young talents across the country.
The President also acknowledged the historic leadership of the veteran coach, who guided Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.
According to Tinubu, the accomplished football manager would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the round-leather game.
The President also prayed for the repose of the departed and comfort for his family and loved ones.
Papers News reports that the family of the late football tactician confirmed his passing in a statement on Monday, signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
The message read, “With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde.”
The family also expressed gratitude to God for the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach,” the statement added.
They also noted that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde enjoyed a distinguished coaching career that spanned several decades in Nigerian and African football.
He first handled the national team between 1982 and 1984, when it was still known as the Green Eagles.
During that period, he guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team eventually lost 3-1 to Cameroon national football team.
The respected tactician later returned to the national team in 2002, leading Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea.
He replaced the late national team coach Shuaibu Amodu at the time.
Beyond coaching, Onigbinde also served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing to football development across the continent and globally.
