Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his passing on Monday through a WhatsApp message signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
The message described the late coach as a revered figure and a Modakeke High Chief who made significant contributions to Nigerian football.
“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 statement read.
The family thanked God for what they described as a fulfilled life dedicated to the advancement of football in Nigeria and globally, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde turned 88 on March 5.
He first served as head coach of the Super Eagles—then known as the Green Eagles—between 1982 and 1984. In 2002, he returned to the national team job, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu and guiding Nigeria to the World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
At the tournament, Nigeria exited in the group stage after losses to Argentina national football team (1–0) and Sweden national football team (2–1), alongside a goalless draw against England national football team.
In 1984, Onigbinde also led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished runners-up after a 3–1 defeat to Cameroon national football team.
Later that same year, he took charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and guided the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they lost to Zamalek SC of Egypt.
After stepping down from national team duties, Onigbinde remained an influential figure in football development, serving as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
He was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians.