SAD NEWS: Former Nigeria head coach Festus Onigbinde dies aged 88

Former Nigeria national football team head coach Festus Onigbinde has passed away at the age of 88, AfricaSoccer.com has gathered

The respected Nigerian tactician died on Monday, March 9, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of indigenous coaching in Nigerian football.

Onigbinde made history as Nigeria’s first indigenous coach to lead the national team on a major stage, guiding the then Green Eagles during the early 1980s. His first stint in charge came between 1983 and 1984.

His most notable achievement during that period was leading Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Green Eagles impressed throughout the tournament before finishing with a silver medal after losing to Cameroon national football team in the final.

Onigbinde was widely respected for his tactical discipline and commitment to developing local players, earning admiration across the continent.

Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team setup and took charge of Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Despite the team’s early exit from the tournament, his leadership during a challenging period for Nigerian football was widely acknowledged.

Beyond the national team, Onigbinde also played a key role in the development of club football in Nigeria and was regarded as one of the country’s most influential football thinkers.

His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, with tributes expected from across Africa for a man who helped shape the coaching landscape of the game in the region.