Governor Ademola Adeleke, Osun State
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles coach, High Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, describing the development as painful and devastating.
In a condolence message issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday in Osogbo, the governor sympathised with the people of Modakeke, the hometown of the late football tactician, as well as the entire Nigerian football community.
Adeleke noted that Onigbinde lived an exceptional and impactful life, particularly through his contributions to the growth and development of football in Nigeria and across Africa.
He said the passing of the respected coach, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, represents a significant loss to the country’s sporting sector, adding that Nigeria has lost a dedicated and resourceful football administrator.
The governor also extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, the football community in Nigeria and across the continent, and all those whose lives were touched by the late coach.
Part of the statement read that the governor received the news of Onigbinde’s death with great sadness, describing him as one of Modakeke’s most illustrious sons.
According to Adeleke, the late football expert devoted his life to developing young talents and shaping the future of Nigerian football, helping many players achieve success in the sport.
He added that Onigbinde’s passing would create a significant void both in the football world and in his hometown, where his efforts over the years contributed to community development and inspired many young people.
The governor urged those mourning the deceased to honour his memory by sustaining the values and legacy he left behind.
He also prayed for the repose of the departed soul and asked God to grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Onigbinde, widely respected for his tactical knowledge and contributions to football development, served as Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and also worked as Technical Adviser for youth teams in the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.
He was also a long-serving technical adviser to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and participated in several FIFA and CAF Technical Study Groups at major international tournaments.
The veteran coach began his career in the 1960s and rose to national prominence in 1977 when he guided Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champions Cup.
In 1984, he led Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan to the final of the same competition, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top football tacticians.
That same year, he made history by becoming the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s national team to a medal at the Africa Cup of Nations, securing silver at the 1984 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
He later managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Nigerian coach to lead the national team at the global tournament.
After his active coaching career, Onigbinde continued contributing to the game by training coaches and football administrators across Africa as an instructor for the NFF, CAF and FIFA.
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