Nigeria Football Federation mourns legendary coach Adegboye Onigbinde

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Technical Director and two-time Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national team, Adegboye Onigbinde.

NFF described his death as the loss of a towering figure who devoted his life to the growth and development of football.

In a statement released by the federation, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the respected Modakeke high chief served Nigerian football with exceptional dedication and commitment, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond the country to the wider African and global football community.

Sanusi described Onigbinde as an extraordinary personality whose passion for the game was unmatched. 

He noted that the late tactician remained deeply involved in football development even in his later years, constantly offering advice and guidance on how the sport could continue to grow.

According to him, the Nigerian football family has lost a man whose life revolved around the game and whose contributions will remain indelible in the history of the sport.

Globally respected for his deep understanding of football tactics and techniques, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the NFF and also worked as Technical Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, where he oversaw the development of the country’s youth teams. 

He was equally a long-time technical adviser to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and participated in several Technical Study Groups organized by both CAF and FIFA at major international competitions.

His coaching career began in the 1960s and rose to national prominence in 1977 when he guided Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs Cup. 

Seven years later, he led Ibadan giants Shooting Stars FC to the final of the same continental competition.

A renowned teacher and mentor, Onigbinde also made history in 1984 when he became the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior national team to a medal at the Africa Cup of Nations, guiding the team to a silver medal in Côte d’Ivoire with a squad made up largely of young and relatively inexperienced players.

He later steered the Nigeria national football team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, becoming the first indigenous coach to manage Nigeria at football’s biggest tournament. 

His team narrowly lost to Argentina and Sweden and secured a draw against England during the group stage.

Beyond his coaching achievements, Onigbinde dedicated many years to educating and mentoring coaches across the continent.

As an instructor for NFF, CAF and FIFA, he committed himself to training the next generation of football tacticians, earning recognition and accolades from across the football world.

His death marks the end of an era in Nigerian football, but his legacy as a tactician, teacher and pioneer will continue to inspire generations to come.