Sanwo-Olu Mourns Ex-Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde

Nigeria’s football family and the nation at large are in mourning following the death of High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, the former Super Eagles coach, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Onigbinde’s passing as a “great loss to the country”, particularly for football lovers and sports stakeholders. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu praised the late coach as a legend and national icon whose influence on Nigerian football will not be forgotten.

“The death of Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon,” the governor said, extending heartfelt condolences to Onigbinde’s family, the Osun State Government, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Onigbinde was renowned for his tactical leadership, becoming the first indigenous Super Eagles coach and guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. He later led the national team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, cementing his place among the country’s most respected football tacticians.

Lagos State’s top official also recognised Onigbinde’s long service to football, highlighting his work with CAF and FIFA as a technical instructor and his role in nurturing football talent across the continent.

Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians and football fans to accept Onigbinde’s passing as the will of God, while praying for peace for his soul and strength for his loved ones.

Details of the late coach’s funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.