JUST IN: Adegboye Onigbinde dies at 88

Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at 88.

Onigbinde died at the General Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday evening, according to a statement from the family.

One of his sons, Adeoye Onigbinde, confirmed the death while speaking to Sporting Tribune on the phone, revealing that the elder statesman celebrated his 88th birthday just last Thursday.

A statement released on behalf of the family by Mrs Bolade Adesuyi also confirmed the passing of the football icon.

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The statement read, “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, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago (Monday).

“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.

“We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of your and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The statement added that final funeral arrangements will be communicated later.

Onigbinde famously managed the Nigerian national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, having earlier served as head coach between 1982 and 1984.

He also guided the Super Eagles to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

He was also a CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor, mentoring several coaches and contributing immensely to football education and technical development in Africa.