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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88, bringing to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians and administrators.
His passing, which occurred three days after his 88th birthday, was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, on Monday.
Onigbinde, a High Chief of Modakeke in Osun State, was widely respected in Nigerian football circles for his tactical depth and long-standing contributions to the development of the game both on and off the pitch.
He had two separate spells in charge of the Nigeria national football team. During his first tenure between 1981 and 1984, he led Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team to guide Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking his second stint as head coach of the Super Eagles.
Throughout his decades-long involvement in football, Onigbinde earned widespread respect for his tactical insight, discipline, and commitment to nurturing talent, leaving a lasting imprint on the development of the game in Nigeria.
His death marks the passing of one of the country’s most influential football figures, and tributes are expected from across the Nigerian football community.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.