By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Veteran Nigerian football tactician and former Super Eagles coach, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, is dead.
He passed away at the age of 88 after decades of remarkable contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.
Widely respected for his discipline, tactical depth, and commitment to grassroots football, Onigbinde coached the Nigeria national football team and played a key role in shaping the country’s football legacy.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as tributes continue to pour in from the sporting community and admirers across the nation.
Mourning the tactician, President Bola Tinubu via a statement by his Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sympathised with Onigbinde’s family and associates.
The President also extended his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), professional colleagues and fans of the administrator who distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982.
Tinubu commended the contributions of the Modakeke High Chief to the development of grassroots football and to the strengthening of football administration in Nigeria.
The President acknowledged the historic leadership of Chief Onigbinde, who guided the Super Eagles to the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.
President Tinubu stated that the accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the round-leather game.
The President prayed for the repose of the departed and comfort for his family. It concludes.
