Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of legendary coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, a former handler of the Super Eagles and respected traditional leader in Modakeke, Osun State.
Family sources confirmed that the renowned tactician and High Chief, who held the traditional title of Otun Balogun of Modakeke, passed away peacefully. His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian football and the Modakeke community, where he was widely admired for his contributions to sports and community leadership.
Onigbinde made history as the first indigenous Nigerian coach to manage the Super Eagles, a milestone that firmly established his place in the annals of Nigerian football. Known for his tactical discipline and strong belief in developing local talent, he played a key role in nurturing generations of players and advancing the growth of the game in the country.
Beyond football, the late coach was a respected family man and community figure, remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and mentor. His influence extended beyond the pitch through his service to society and traditional leadership in Modakeke.
In a statement issued by the family, Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi expressed gratitude to God for the impactful life he lived, describing him as an exceptional football coach whose contributions to Nigeria and the global football community will not be forgotten. Funeral arrangements, the family said, will be announced later.
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