Nigerian Football Legend Chief Adegboye Onigbinde Passes Away

Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, a notable figure in Nigerian football, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 88. His career began in the early 1980s when he was appointed by the Old Oyo State Sports Council and later became involved with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) as a coach for the Super Eagles.

Onigbinde's first major assignment was during the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire, where Nigeria secured a silver medal under his guidance. He also played a pivotal role in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he integrated young talents like Femi Opabunmi and Vincent Enyeama into the squad.

Despite Nigeria's early exit in the tournament, Onigbinde's coaching philosophy significantly impacted the development of football in Nigeria. His contributions were recognized throughout his career, including his role as a FIFA instructor and his influence on the Nigerian football coaching landscape.