Naija News • 1h ago
Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Onigbinde, Dies At 88
**Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Football Legend, Festus Onigbinde**
Nigeria has lost a football icon, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who left this world on Monday, March 9, at the ripe age of 88. As a renowned football strategist and a pillar of Nigerian football development, Onigbinde's legacy will be deeply missed by fans and stakeholders alike.
As the former head coach of the Super Eagles, Onigbinde left an indelible mark on Nigerian football. He led the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, marking a notable milestone in the country's participation in the global football stage. Although the team's performance was limited, his contribution to the growth of Nigerian football cannot be overstated.
Onigbinde's tenure as the national team coach was not limited to one stint. He first took the reins between 1982 and 1984, during which he guided the Eagles to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. Although they ultimately fell short, finishing as runners-up to Cameroon, his team's performance was a testament to his coaching prowess.
At the club level, Onigbinde's success was equally impressive. As the manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, he led the side to the final of the Africa Club Champions Cup, now known as the CAF Champions League, a feat that showcased his ability to excel in both domestic and continental competitions.
Onigbinde's passing leaves a void in the Nigerian football community, but his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be remembered as a disciplined strategist, a dedicated coach, and a true icon of Nigerian football. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans who mourn his loss.