By Solomon OKPO
Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the death of veteran coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88.
Widely respected for his contributions to Nigerian football, Onigbinde was one of the most experienced tacticians to have handled the Super Eagles. His coaching career spanned several decades, during which he played a significant role in shaping the country’s football development.
Onigbinde was first appointed head coach of the national team in 1982, a period that marked a new phase in Nigeria’s international football journey. Two years later, he led the Super Eagles to a strong outing at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up, earning a silver medal after an impressive campaign.
Despite the achievement, his tenure ended shortly after the tournament. However, his experience and influence in Nigerian football remained widely acknowledged.
Nearly two decades later, Onigbinde returned to the national stage when he was reappointed to guide Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His selection at the time reflected the confidence placed in his deep knowledge of the game and his longstanding service to Nigerian football.
Beyond the national team, Onigbinde was known as a mentor and football administrator who contributed significantly to grassroots and club football development in Nigeria.
Tributes have continued to pour in from the sports community, former players, and football administrators who remember him as a disciplined coach, a teacher of the game, and a patriot devoted to the progress of Nigerian football.
He is survived by family members, associates, and generations of footballers whose careers were influenced by his leadership.
Nigeria mourns the loss of a football elder statesman whose legacy remains firmly etched in the history of the nation’s game.
Sports Recorder
