By Eppe Franklyne
- Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88, four days after celebrating his birthday.
- Onigbinde coached Nigeria twice and led the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
- He also guided Nigeria to the 1984 AFCON final and coached Shooting Stars to the African Cup of Champions Clubs final.
Former Nigeria national team coach Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88.
Onigbinde’s family confirmed his passing on Monday, March 9, 2026, through a WhatsApp message signed by a relative, Bolade Adesuyi. The announcement of his demise came four days after he celebrated his 88th birthday on March 5.
The message from the family read, “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.
“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.”
The family added that details of the burial arrangements would be announced later.
Adegboye Onigbinde is widely respected in Nigerian football circles. He handled the Super Eagles of Nigeria twice. His first spell occurred between 1982 and 1984, when the side was still known as the Green Eagles.
He returned to the role in 2002, stepping in after the departure of Shuaibu Amodu and guiding Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Nigeria’s campaign ended in the group stage after defeats to Argentina and Sweden, alongside a goalless draw with England.
Earlier in his career, Onigbinde led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the team lost 3-1 to Cameroon.
That same year, he took charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club and guided the Ibadan side to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs. The Nigerian side lost their place in the tournament to Zamalek SC.
After leaving the national team job, Onigbinde remained a prominent voice in the game. He later served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, helping to train and mentor coaches across the continent.
