Former Nigeria national football team head coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed the veteran tactician’s passing in a statement released Monday evening, describing him as a towering figure in Nigerian football whose influence extended beyond the pitch into community leadership.
A life dedicated to Nigerian football
“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde,” the statement read.
Born on March 5, 1938, Onigbinde was widely respected for his role in the development of football in Nigeria and for his strong advocacy for indigenous coaches within the national team structure.
1988 AFCON final among career highlights
One of the defining moments of his managerial career came at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria reached the final before losing 3-1 to the Cameroon national football team.
The tournament remains one of the most memorable campaigns of his coaching career, as the Super Eagles emerged as one of the continent’s strongest sides during that period.
First indigenous coach at the 2002 World Cup
Onigbinde later made history by becoming the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond his work with the national team, he also served as an instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, mentoring coaches and contributing to technical development programs across Africa.
His family said funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.