Nigerian Football Legend Adegboye Onigbinde Passes Away

Adegboye Onigbinde, a prominent figure in Nigerian football and the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles, passed away at the age of 89. His death was announced by his daughter, Bolad Adesuyi.

Onigbinde was a staunch advocate for the development of grassroots football in Nigeria, believing it to be the solution to the challenges faced by the Super Eagles. He criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under Amaju Pinnick for its policy of recruiting young players of Nigerian descent from Europe instead of focusing on local talent.

Onigbinde argued that this approach undermined the potential of homegrown players and called for a shift towards nurturing indigenous talent. He had a significant impact on Nigerian football, having coached at various levels, including leading the national team in the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1983 U20 World Championship.

His legacy extends beyond Nigeria, as he also shared his expertise internationally, including in Trinidad and Tobago.