President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned football administrator and former Super Eagles head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The President also extended his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, as well as professional colleagues and football fans across the country following the passing of the veteran coach.
Tinubu’s message of condolence was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement, the President praised Onigbinde’s immense contributions to grassroots football development and his role in strengthening football administration in Nigeria. He also recognised the late coach’s historic achievement as the first indigenous Nigerian to lead the national team, then known as the Nigeria national football team, in 1982.
Tinubu noted that Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and enduring passion for football.
“The accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and passion for the round-leather game,” the President said.
Onigbinde enjoyed a distinguished coaching career, notably guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Nations, where the team finished as runners-up after losing 3–1 to Cameroon national football team.
He also managed Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. During the tournament, Nigeria recorded defeats to Argentina national football team and Sweden national football team, and a goalless draw with England national football team in the group stage.
At the club level, he also coached Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and led the team to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1984, where they were defeated by Zamalek SC of Egypt.
Following his retirement from national team duties, Onigbinde remained a respected voice in the sport and later served as a technical instructor for both Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the late football icon and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.