Festus Adegboy Onigbinde, Former Super Eagles Coach, Dies

Festus Adegboy Onigbinde, a distinguished figure in Nigerian football, has died at the age of 88. He was recognized as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles and made history by leading the team to the FIFA World Cup in 2002, hosted by South Korea and Japan.

Onigbinde was credited with injecting youth into the national team and is known for introducing notable players like Vincent Enyeama. His coaching career included leading Nigeria to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He served on the longest-serving African technical committee for CAF and FIFA and was appointed as an instructor for both organizations in 1988 and 1994. Onigbinde also held the position of head of the technical department at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and was a recurring member of the technical study group for major tournaments.

His family announced his passing and funeral arrangements are forthcoming.