Nigeria is mourning the loss of a true football patriarch as Festus Onigbinde, the first indigenous coach to lead the Super Eagles to a FIFA World Cup, has passed away at the age of 88.
The family announced his passing in a statement signed by Bolade Adesuyi, confirming that the football icon and community leader died just minutes before the announcement.
“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,” the message reads.
“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. Good night, till we meet to part no more.”
Onigbinde celebrated his 88th birthday on March 5, 2026.
World Cup milestone with Nigeria
He famously led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, becoming the first indigenous coach to guide the national team at football’s biggest global tournament.
He also coached Nigeria between 1982 and 1984, leading the team to a runners-up finish at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations after a 3–1 defeat to Cameroon in the final.
One of the highlights of his career came at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, where he guided the Super Eagles to the final, but they again finished as runners-up after losing to Cameroon.
Advocate for indigenous coaching
Beyond his achievements with the national team, Onigbinde later served as a special adviser on football to the Osun State Government.
Widely respected for his immense contributions to the development of football in Nigeria, Onigbinde was known for his strong advocacy for indigenous coaching and played a key role in promoting locally trained coaches within the country’s football system.
He was also regarded as a pioneer of indigenous coaching in Nigerian football, contributing to the growth of the game through his work as an instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, where he mentored coaches and supported football development initiatives across Africa
