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Dignitaries at the burial rites of late Chief Onigbinde in Modakeke on Friday. [Credit: NFF Media]
Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, a pioneer for indigenous coaches in Nigeria, has been buried in Modakeke, Osun State, amidst glowing tributes from the Nigerian football community.
Adegboye, who died in March at the age of 88, was a revered figure in Nigerian football history. He was the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing runners-up to Cameroon in 1984. Eighteen years later, he became the first Nigerian coach to lead the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup, taking charge of the national team at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
The funeral service, which held at Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Modakeke, attracted former international players, football administrators, traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the local community. Former Super Eagles captain and current NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen represented the federation at the burial, praising Onigbinde's dedication and hard work.
Eguavoen described Adegboye as a 'towering figure in coaching globally' and acknowledged his impact on Nigerian football. 'He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to win silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations, and also became the first Nigerian to lead them at the FIFA World Cup,' Eguavoen said. 'Even after retirement, he continued to impact highly by serving as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is stout and impressive. The nation will miss him, but we pray for the repose of his soul and for God to comfort the family he has left behind and the Nigeria Football family as a whole.'
Adegboye was also widely associated with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, where he enjoyed some of his most successful years in club football. He remained an advocate for coaching education and greater opportunities for indigenous coaches throughout his career. The NFF provided financial support to the family as part of the funeral arrangements.
Onigbinde's burial brought together several generations of Nigerian football figures, underscoring the influence of a coach whose career spanned club football, the national team, and international technical development. The late coach's legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his impact on Nigerian football will not be forgotten.
'He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to win silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations, and also became the first Nigerian to lead them at the FIFA World Cup,' Eguavoen said. 'Even after retirement, he continued to impact highly by serving as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is stout and impressive.'
Former Super Eagles players who attended the burial include Mutiu Adepoju, a former midfielder, and Felix Owolabi, a former winger. The burial was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the local community.
Adegboye's career was marked by several notable achievements, including his stint as Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation and his work as a FIFA technical instructor. He also had coaching and technical assignments in several countries, including a stint as technical adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.
The NFF has recognized Onigbinde's service to the country, acknowledging his hard work, dedication, and discipline. His legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his impact on Nigerian football will not be forgotten.
Adegboye Onigbinde's funeral was attended by several notable figures in Nigerian football, including former international players, football administrators, and members of the local community. The burial was a moment to reflect on the coach's legacy and the impact he had on Nigerian football.
The NFF has provided financial support to the family as part of the funeral arrangements. Adegboye's burial brought together several generations of Nigerian football figures, underscoring the influence of a coach whose career spanned club football, the national team, and international technical development.
Onigbinde's legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his impact on Nigerian football will not be forgotten. The late coach's burial was a moment to reflect on his achievements and the impact he had on the beautiful game in Nigeria.
Adegboye's funeral was attended by former Super Eagles players, including Mutiu Adepoju and Felix Owolabi. The burial was a moment to reflect on the coach's achievements and the impact he had on Nigerian football.