Nigeria: Former Super Eagles Coach, Onigbinde Dies At 88

9 March 2026
Vanguard (Lagos)

High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, the first indigenous Nigerian coach of the Super Eagles and a revered Modakeke high chief, has passed away.

The family announced his death in a statement signed by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, confirming that the football icon and community leader died a few minutes ago.

"With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man: a Modakeke High Chief, the 1st indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend - High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde," the family statement read.

The family expressed deep appreciation for his fulfilled life and immense contributions to Nigerian football and the nation at large.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

"We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigeria nation and the world as an unequalled football coach," the statement continued. "We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of your & our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night till we meet to part no more."

High Chief Onigbinde, widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most respected football figures, made history as the first Nigerian to coach the senior national team. His tenure and lifelong dedication to the sport left an indelible mark on generations of players and fans.

He was also the first indigenous coach to lead the Super Eagles to a FIFA World Cup when did so in 2002 in South Korea and Japan

Final funeral arrangements will be communicated later by the family.

The football community, sports stakeholders, and Nigerians across the country have begun paying tributes to the late coach, describing him as a pioneer, mentor, and true patriot whose legacy will endure for years to come.

Read the original article on Vanguard.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 Vanguard. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.