A former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed his passing on Monday in a statement signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
“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 his fulfilled life and his immense contributions to the Nigerian nation and the global football community as an exceptional coach.”
The family added that funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
Onigbinde led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea during his second stint as head coach of the national team.
He had earlier managed the then Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984, before returning to the role in 2002 to replace the late Shuaibu Amodu.
In 1984, Onigbinde guided Nigeria to the final of the African Nations Cup, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon.
Beyond his coaching career, he also served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
