Former first indigenous coach of the Nigerian national football side, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, is dead.
A statement signed by Mrs Bolade Adesuyi, on behalf of the family, said that the Modakeke born high chief died Monday night at the age of 88 after a brief illness.
The statement reads, “With great gratitude to god fir a life well spent we announce the passing of this great man, a modakeke high chief, the first indegenous nigerian super eagles football coach, father, husband, grand father, great grand father, brother, and friend *high chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde* Who Passed Unto The Great Beyond A couple of minutes ago.
“We thank god for the fulfilled life and your contributions to the nigeria nation and the world as a unequal football coach.
We pray that your soul will rest perfectly in the bossom of your and our lord Jesus Christ.. Good Night Till we meet to part no more.
“Final funeral arrangements will be communicated later.”
Onigbinde was born on March 5, 1938, in Modakeke, Osun State.
A foremost football coach and administrator, Onigbinde made significant contributions to the sport. He coached the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and previously between 1982 and 1984. Onigbinde led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to Cameroon.
He also coached Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan, guiding them to the Africa Club Champions Cup final