Nigeria’s football community is mourning the death of former national team coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 88.
Family members confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday, noting that the veteran tactician died just days after celebrating his 88th birthday on March 5. Tributes have since poured in from players, administrators and fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Onigbinde was widely respected as one of the pioneers of indigenous coaching in Nigerian football and a major contributor to the development of the national game.
He notably led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea, where he managed the national team, the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles.
Earlier in his coaching career, Onigbinde guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished runners-up to Cameroon national football team. His tenure during the early 1980s was regarded as a defining period for local coaching development in the country.
Beyond the national team, Onigbinde was also known for his work in grassroots football development and sports administration, mentoring generations of players and coaches across Nigeria.
Among those who paid tribute was Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who praised Onigbinde’s lifelong commitment to the growth of football and youth development in the country.
Widely regarded as a trailblazer for indigenous coaches, Onigbinde leaves behind a legacy spanning decades in Nigerian football, remembered for his technical insight, dedication to youth development, and unwavering belief in local talent.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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