Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.
The family announced his death in a statement signed by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, confirming that the football icon and community leader died on Monday, March 9.
“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.
“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.”
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Onigbinde was Nigeria’s first indigenous coach, having first handled the national team between 1983 and 1984.
He led the Green Eagles to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria lost to Cameroon in the final.
Onigbinde also led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
