Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde Dies at 88

March 10, 2026

Former head coach of the Nigeria national football team, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.

The family confirmed his passing in a statement signed by Bolade Adesuyi, noting that the Modakeke-born high chief died on Monday night after a brief illness.

“With great gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke high chief and the first indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach,” the statement read.

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The family described him as a devoted father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather whose contributions to Nigeria and the global football community would remain enduring. Funeral arrangements, the family added, would be announced later.

Born on March 5, 1938, in Modakeke, present-day Osun State, Onigbinde built a distinguished career as a football coach, administrator and technical instructor.

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Widely regarded as a pioneer of indigenous coaching in Nigeria, he made history as the first Nigerian-born coach to lead the national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

He first managed the national team between 1982 and 1984, guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished runners-up after losing to the Cameroon national football team.

At club level, the late coach also enjoyed success with Shooting Stars Sports Club, leading the side to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Champions Clubs now known as the CAF Champions League where they finished runners-up to Egyptian side Zamalek SC.

Beyond his achievements on the touchline, Onigbinde contributed significantly to football development across Africa. He served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and the global football governing body, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, helping to train and mentor coaches on the continent.

Throughout his decades-long involvement in the sport, Onigbinde was widely respected for his discipline, tactical knowledge and strong advocacy for the development of local coaches in Nigerian football.

Tributes have begun to pour in from former players, football administrators and fans who remember him as a trailblazer who helped shape modern Nigerian football.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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