The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigerian national team coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Onigbinde, a respected football tactician from Modakeke, died on Monday at the age of 88.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the late coach as a legend whose contributions to Nigerian football remain significant.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Onigbinde played a major role in the development of football in Nigeria, particularly during his time as head coach of the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984. During that period, he guided the team to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.
The governor also recalled that Onigbinde coached Shooting Stars Sports Club in 1984, leading the team to the final of the Africa Club Champions Cup. He was later recalled to manage the Super Eagles at a crucial time, guiding the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Sanwo-Olu described the late coach as one of Nigeria’s finest football managers and a respected technical instructor who served both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA for many years.
He extended his condolences to the Onigbinde family, the Osun State Government, and the Nigerian Football Federation, noting that the late coach’s impact on Nigerian football would not be forgotten.
The governor prayed for the repose of Onigbinde’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, and football fans the strength to bear the loss.