By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 88.
His family announced his passing on Monday through a WhatsApp statement issued by Bolade Adesuyi, a family member.
“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke High Chief, the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde,” the statement read.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach. We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of your and our Lord Jesus Christ. Good night, till we meet to part no more.”
The family added that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde first served as coach of the then Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984. He returned to the role in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu, and led Nigeria to the World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Nigeria was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament after defeats to Argentina national football team (1–0) and Sweden national football team (2–1), and a goalless draw against England national football team.
In 1984, Onigbinde guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
Later that year, he took over as coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and led the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they lost to Zamalek SC of Egypt.
After stepping down from the national team role, Onigbinde remained a respected football tactician and later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
