- Nigerian football legend passes away at 88
- Family confirms death in a statement
- Led Nigeria to 1984 AFCON final and 2002 World Cup
Former Super Eagles head coach Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his passing on Monday in a WhatsApp broadcast message signed by Bolade Adesuyi, describing him as a respected football icon, community leader, and family patriarch.
READ ALSO: Stop Conducting Rituals for Yahoo Boys, C&S Church Warns Prophets
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern football coaching in Nigeria and became the first indigenous coach to manage the national team.
During his coaching career, he guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up after losing to Cameroon national football team.
He later returned to lead the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Japan and South Korea, following the dismissal of the coaching crew headed by Shuaibu Amodu after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament ended in disappointment as the team failed to win a match, losing 1–0 to Argentina national football team, 2–1 to Sweden national football team, and drawing goalless with England national football team.
Following the tournament, some players, including Jay-Jay Okocha and Julius Aghahowa, criticised aspects of the squad selection.
Despite the criticism, Onigbinde remained a respected figure in Nigerian football and later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing to the development of coaching across Africa.