Former Super Eagles head coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Technical Director Adegboye Onigbinde has been laid to rest in his hometown, Modakeke, Osun State.
The funeral service was held on Friday at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, with family members, football administrators, former players and dignitaries in attendance to honour the late tactician.
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–Pioneering career with the Super Eagles—
Onigbinde died in March at the age of 88. He is remembered as a trailblazer for Nigerian football.
He became the first Nigerian coach to lead the national team to an Africa Cup of Nations final, guiding the Super Eagles to silver at the 1984 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria lost to Cameroon.
Eighteen years later, he made history again as the first Nigerian to lead the Super Eagles at a FIFA World Cup, taking charge at Korea/Japan 2002.
—NFF pays tribute–
Representing the NFF at the burial was former Super Eagles captain and coach Augustine Eguavoen.
“The NFF recognises and appreciates the service of late Chief Onigbinde to our country,” Eguavoen said at the ceremony.
“He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to win silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations and also became the first Nigerian to lead them at the FIFA World Cup.”
Eguavoen added that Onigbinde remained active in football development after retirement, serving as a resource person at NFF coaching programmes. The federation also provided financial support to the family as part of the funeral arrangements.
–Club and international service—
Beyond the national team, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the NFF and later worked as a FIFA Technical Instructor. He also handled coaching and technical assignments abroad, including in Trinidad and Tobago.
At club level, he was associated with Shooting Stars Sports Club, where he spent part of his playing and coaching career.
—Dignitaries in attendance—
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Others present included former NFF General Secretary Fanny Amun, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire, former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju, and ex-Nigeria winger Felix Owolabi.
