Lagos, March 10, 2026 (NAN) The Oyo State Football Association has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian football icon, Festus Onigbinde, who died at the age of 88.
The General Secretary of the association, Taiwo Adesola, in a statement, described Onigbinde’s death as a monumental loss to football in Nigeria and beyond.
He quoted the Chairman, Oyo FA, James Odeniran, who expressed heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late football tactician and the entire Nigerian football community.
“Onigbinde, a football icon’s immense contributions to the development of the sport in Nigeria would never be forgotten; his legacy will continue to inspire upcoming coaches, administrators and players.
“Oyo FA extends our deepest condolences to the Onigbinde family, the football fraternity in Nigeria, stakeholders across the game and fans whose lives were touched by the late tactician.
“While his demise leaves a huge vacuum in Nigerian football, we take solace in the remarkable legacy he left behind.
“His dedication, discipline and service to the game will remain a reference point for generations to come,” he said.
Adesola said that the late Onigbinde lived a fulfilled life dedicated to the growth and development of football in Nigeria.
“Onigbinde’s contributions to the game remain indelible, having served the nation with distinction as a two-time head coach of the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles.
“He stamped his name in history as the first indigenous coach to guide Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984, where the team won a silver medal after finishing runners-up to Cameroon.
“The late football strategist also led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan, further cementing his place among the country’s most respected football tacticians.
“Beyond the national team, he also made significant contributions at club level, including a memorable stint with Shooting Stars Sports Club, where his experience and leadership helped shape generations of players,” he said.
Adesola added that Onigbinde was not just a coach but a father figure, mentor and a guiding light whose wisdom and passion for football inspired many within and outside the game.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late football legend and for God to grant his family, friends and the entire football community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said. (NAN)
