Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde buried in Modakeke

Adegboye Onigbinde, a towering figure in Nigerian football coaching history, was laid to rest in Modakeke, Osun State, on Friday, drawing glowing tributes from across the sporting and political landscape.

The octogenarian coach, who passed away in March, was honored for his pioneering achievements. He holds the distinction of being the first indigenous coach to guide the Nigerian national team, the Green Eagles, to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984, where they finished as runners-up to Cameroon. Eighteen years later, he made history again by becoming the first Nigerian to lead the Super Eagles at a FIFA World Cup, taking charge of the team in South Korea and Japan in 2002.

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The NFF recognises and appreciates the service of late Chief Onigbinde to our country. He was very energetic and rose to the pinnacle of the profession by dint of hard work, dedication and discipline. He was a towering figure in coaching globally.

Leading figures at the funeral service, held at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, included former international players, football administrators, traditional rulers, and political leaders. Augustine Eguavoen, current NFF Technical Director and former Super Eagles captain, represented the federation, emphasizing Onigbinde's "lasting impact" and "stout and impressive legacy." He noted Onigbinde's hard work, dedication, and discipline as key to his rise to the pinnacle of the profession, both in Nigeria and internationally.

Beyond his national team coaching roles, Onigbinde served as the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation and worked as a FIFA technical instructor. His influence extended internationally with coaching assignments in countries like Trinidad and Tobago. He also maintained strong ties with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, where he achieved significant success in club football. Throughout his career, he championed coaching education and advocated for increased opportunities for local coaches.

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He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to win silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations, and also became the first Nigerian to lead them at the FIFA World Cup. Even after retirement, he continued to impact highly by serving as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is stout and impressive. The nation will miss him, but we pray for the repose of his soul and for God to comfort the family he has left behind and the Nigeria Football family as a whole.