The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of former Nigeria national football team coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, describing him as a legend and national icon.
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, died on Monday at the age of 88.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the late football tactician as one of Nigeria’s most respected coaches.
Sanwo-Olu said the death of the Modakeke-born football icon was a great loss to Nigeria, particularly to football lovers.
“The death of Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of the best Nigerian coaches in football history,” the governor said.
He also extended condolences to the Onigbinde family, the Nigerian Football Federation, and the government of Osun State.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Onigbinde served Nigeria passionately as coach of the Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984, guiding the team to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.
The late coach also led Shooting Stars Sports Club to the final of the African Club Champions Cup in 1984, further cementing his reputation as a top football tactician.
Onigbinde later returned to manage the Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup, where Nigeria faced Argentina national football team, Sweden national football team, and England national football team in the group stage.
Beyond coaching, he served as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, contributing significantly to the development of football across Africa.
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of the late coach’s soul and urged his family, friends and colleagues to accept his passing as the will of God.
