The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has paid a glowing tribute to the departed football icon, and former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, describing his death as a painful loss to Yorubaland and the entire Nigerian sporting community.
The revered monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said that Onigbinde was a pride of the Yoruba race whose legacy would remain indelible in Nigeria’s football history.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the veteran coach, noting that his contributions to football development and youth mentorship would continue to inspire future generations.
The Ooni described Onigbinde as a trailblazer who brought honour not only to Modakeke and Ile-Ife but also to the entire nation through decades of dedication to football development.
The monarch recalled that Onigbinde was among the earliest indigenous Nigerians to coach the national team and later led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
According to the palace, the departed tactician’s achievements extended beyond the sidelines, as he was widely respected for his intellectual depth, discipline and commitment to strengthening the technical foundation of football in Nigeria.
The statement also noted that Onigbinde earned a prestigious German Grade A coaching licence in 1976, making him one of the earliest Nigerian coaches to obtain elite international coaching qualifications.
He further attended an advanced coaching course in Brazil in 1981 at a time when very few African coaches had such opportunities.
His early impact on the national team became evident when he was appointed head coach in 1982, leading Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations where the team finished as runners-up.
Beyond the national team, the late coach also recorded success at club level with Shooting Stars Sports Club, guiding the team to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Champions Clubs, now known as the CAF Champions League, where they narrowly lost to Zamalek SC.
The Ooni also acknowledged Onigbinde’s service in football administration, noting that he held several technical roles within the Nigeria Football Federation, including Technical Director, where he contributed significantly to coaching education and youth development policies.
“High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde lived a fulfilled life marked by service, excellence and patriotism. His legacy in Nigerian football and his numerous contributions to the peace and development of Ifeland will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come,” the statement read.
The Ooni extended condolences to the immediate family of the departed coach, the people of Modakeke, the football community and the entire nation, praying that God grant his soul eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
