Sanwo-Olu mourns Festus Onigbinde, praising the former Super Eagles coach as a football legend who shaped Nigeria’s football development
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, former Super Eagles coach and respected football tactician, describing the loss as a painful moment for Nigeria and the global football community.
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Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on Monday at the age of 88, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential football coaches.
The Modakeke-born icon guided Nigeria’s national team to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations and later led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the late coach as a legend whose impact on Nigerian football will remain enduring.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also extended condolences to the Onigbinde family, the Osun State Government and the Nigerian Football Federation over the passing of the celebrated coach.
“The death of Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of the best Nigerian coaches in football history,” the governor said.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde served Nigeria with passion during his time as coach of the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984.
During that period, the team reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, winning a silver medal with a squad largely made up of young players.
The governor also recalled the coach’s club success, noting that in 1984 Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde guided Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan to the final of the Africa Club Champions Cup, further cementing his reputation as a brilliant tactician.
Beyond national coaching duties, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the Nigerian Football Federation and later worked internationally as Technical Adviser for youth teams in Trinidad and Tobago.
Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde was also widely respected for his contributions to football education.
The veteran coach served as a technical adviser to the Confederation of African Football and participated in several FIFA and CAF technical study groups at major championships.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the late coach as a respected leader whose contributions helped shape modern Nigerian football.
“He was a respected football icon and leader who made positive impacts during his lifetime. He will be sorely missed,” the governor added.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prayed for the peaceful repose of the late coach and urged family members, friends and football fans to accept the loss as the will of God.
Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s and gained national recognition in 1977 after leading Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter finals of the African Champions Cup.
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His legacy remains a powerful chapter in the story of Nigerian football.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
