Ex-Super Eagles Coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88
Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, a former head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Monday evening, describing him as a towering figure in Nigerian football and community leadership.
“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde,” the statement said.
Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde was widely respected for his contributions to the growth of football in Nigeria and for promoting indigenous coaches.
One of the highlights of his career came at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria reached the final but lost 3–1 to the Cameroon national football team.
He also made history as the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Beyond the national team, Onigbinde served as an instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, mentoring coaches and supporting football development across Africa.
His family said funeral arrangements will be announced later.
