Nigeria Football Federation mourns Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former Technical Director and Super Eagles coach, praising his lifelong dedication to football development

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former Technical Director and two-time Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

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Describing him as “the exit of a great man who served Nigeria football wholeheartedly,” NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi lauded Onigbinde for his dedication to developing the game in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

“Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Chief Onigbinde ate, drank, breathed, slept and lived football development,” Dr Sanusi said.

Chief Onigbinde, a Modakeke high chief, started coaching in the 1960s.

He first rose to prominence in 1977, leading Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs Cup.

He later guided Shooting Stars FC to the same competition’s final in 1984.

A pioneering tactician, he became the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior men national team to an Africa Cup of Nations medal (silver) in Cote d’Ivoire in 1984.

He later led the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, where Nigeria narrowly lost to Argentina and Sweden, and drew with England.

Onigbinde also served internationally, including as Technical Adviser for Trinidad and Tobago’s youth teams, and contributed extensively to CAF and FIFA technical committees.

His commitment to training coaches and developing football knowledge earned him accolades worldwide.

Dr Sanusi concluded:

“We will miss him greatly. We pray that God grants him eternal rest and his family, friends, and the Nigerian football fraternity the strength to bear this loss.”

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Chief Onigbinde leaves behind a legacy of tactical excellence, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to football development.