President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sympathy to the family and associates of renowned football administrator and former Nigeria national football team head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde.
Onigbinde died on Monday at the age of 88.
The president also extended condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), his professional colleagues and football fans. Onigbinde distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982.
Tinubu’s message of condolence was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The president praised the Modakeke high chief for his significant contributions to grassroots football development and for strengthening football administration in Nigeria.
Tinubu also recognised the historic leadership of Chief Onigbinde, who led the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.
According to the president, the respected football manager would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and deep passion for the round-leather game.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased and comfort for his family.
The family of the football tactician confirmed his death in a statement on Monday signed by a family member, Bolade Adesuyi.
The message read:
“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.
“We thank God for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the Nigerian nation and the world as an unequalled football coach.”
The family added that funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Onigbinde also guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. He returned as coach in 2002 after his earlier tenure with the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu.
In 1984, he led Nigeria to the AFCON final, where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
He later served as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.