Dare Babalola
The Super Eagles have paid tribute to former national team coach Festus Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, describing him as a respected leader.
Onigbinde, who turned 88 on March 5, died on Monday, with his family announcing his passing in a WhatsApp message signed by Bolade Adesuyi.
The family described him as “a respected football figure and community leader” and prayed that “your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In a statement on Tuesday via X, the Super Eagles paid tribute to the late coach.
“We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing. A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach,” the team said.
Onigbinde first led the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1982 and 1984, guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost 3–1 to Cameroon.
He returned in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu, and took Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup, where the team exited at the group stage after defeats to Argentina and Sweden and a draw against England.
After his coaching career, Onigbinde remained active in football development and later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
