President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, former head coach of the Super Eagles and respected football administrator, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended heartfelt sympathies to the family and associates of the late Modakeke high chief, as well as to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the entire Nigerian football community.
President Tinubu hailed Onigbinde’s pioneering role as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles, appointed in 1982, and applauded his leadership in guiding the team to the finals of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also commended the veteran coach’s enduring contributions to the advancement of grassroots football and the professionalisation of football administration in Nigeria, describing him as “a man of discipline, integrity, foresight, and deep passion for the game.”
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Onigbinde’s soul and for divine comfort for his family, friends, and admirers across the nation.