NFF Mourns Death Of Former Technical Director, Chief Onigbinde

By Paul Joseph

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its former Technical Director and two-time head coach of the national team, Adegboye Onigbinde, describing his death as the loss of a remarkable figure who dedicated his life to the growth of football in Nigeria and beyond.

In a statement released by the NFF Communications Department, the federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the late Modakeke high chief was an extraordinary personality whose contributions shaped the development of football at national, continental and global levels.

“Indeed, a big tree has fallen,” Sanusi said. “Chief Onigbinde ate, drank, breathed, slept and lived football development. We will miss him greatly, as he was never tired of offering advice on the growth of the game even at his ripe old age.

We pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives his family, friends and the Nigeria football fraternity the strength to bear this great loss.”

Widely respected for his deep understanding of football tactics and techniques, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the NFF and also worked internationally as Technical Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, where he supervised youth team development.

He was also a long-time technical advisor to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and participated in several Technical Study Groups organized by both CAF and FIFA during major tournaments.

Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s and rose to national prominence in 1977 when he guided Water Corporation FC to the quarter-finals of the African Champion Clubs’ Cup. In 1984, he led Shooting Stars FC to the final of the same continental competition, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected tacticians.

A renowned educator and football instructor, he became the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior national team to a medal at the Africa Cup of Nations, securing a silver medal with the Nigeria national football team at the 1984 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Onigbinde later guided the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. At the tournament, Nigeria narrowly lost to Argentina and Sweden and played out a draw with England.

His appointment also made him the first indigenous coach to manage the Super Eagles at the World Cup, following foreign coaches Clemens Westerhof in 1994 and Bora Milutinović in 1998.

After his coaching career, Onigbinde devoted much of his time to mentoring and training coaches, serving as an instructor for the NFF, CAF and FIFA.

His commitment to educating football trainers earned him recognition and accolades across the football world.

The NFF said his legacy as a coach, teacher and football visionary will remain a lasting inspiration for generations of players and coaches in Nigeria and beyond.