Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have expressed grief over the death of former coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who led the country to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Onigbinde, who turned 88 on March 5, died on Monday. His family confirmed the development in a WhatsApp message signed by Bolade Adesuyi.
The family described the late coach 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 tribute posted on X on Tuesday, the Super Eagles also paid homage to the veteran football tactician.
“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 wrote.
Onigbinde first managed the national team—then known as the Green Eagles—between 1982 and 1984, leading Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
He later returned as coach in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu, and guided Nigeria to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The team, however, exited at the group stage after defeats to Argentina national football team and Sweden national football team, and a draw against England national football team.
After retiring from active coaching, Onigbinde remained involved in football development and later served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
