Former Super Eagles coach Adegboyega Onigbinde has died at the age of 88. Softfootball gathered that his family announced his passing, which occurred on 9 March 2026.
Following the news, the Super Eagles of Nigeria also commiserated with his family through a message on their official X handle.
This was their post on the Super Eagles verified X handle:
We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing.
A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football.
Rest in peace, Coach.
Adegboye Onigbinde (5 March 1938 – 9 March 2026) was a legendary Nigerian football coach and administrator, widely regarded as “The Teacher” of Nigerian football. He was a pioneer for indigenous coaching in Africa and a prominent technical official for both CAF and FIFA.
Key Career Milestones
National Team Leadership:
He served as the head coach of the Super Eagles (formerly Green Eagles) during two major periods:
1982–1984: He led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they finished as runners-up to Cameroon.
2002: He became the first indigenous Nigerian coach to lead the Super Eagles at a FIFA World Cup (Korea/Japan 2002).
Club Success
He guided Shooting Stars SC (3SC) of Ibadan to the final of the African Club Champions Cup in 1984.
Technical Expert
Onigbinde was a respected instructor for FIFA and CAF, mentoring generations of coaches across the continent. He was also the first African appointed to the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG).
Personal Legacy and Philosophy
Nickname
Often called “The Teacher” due to his background as an educator and his cerebral, scientific approach to football tactics.
Name Change
Born Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, he dropped the name “Festus” in 1960, choosing “Adegboye” to reflect his heritage and identity.
Honours
He was a High Chief of Modakeke in Osun State, Nigeria, and remained an influential community leader until his death.
Onigbinde passed away on 9 March 2026 at the age of 88, just days after his birthday. His death was met with national tributes from the Nigerian Presidency, who hailed him as a patriot and a giant of the game.