Onigbinde: Nigeria football fraternity loses icon -Ex-internationals
Ex-Nigeria Internationals have expressed their condolences over the death of former Technical Director and two-time Super Eagles Head Coach, Festus Onigbinde at the age of 88.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Super Eagles who led the country to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea, died on Monday evening.
They spoke in separate interviews with the news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Edema Fuludu, Ex- Super Eagles player described Onigbinde’s death as a big loss to the football fraternity in the country.
“Sincerely, Nigeria has lost a great icon in the fraternity, Onigbinde was a mentor, a leader who’s ready to speak the truth at all times.
“He was a coach who knew his onions. I was privileged to have met him, and he mentored us perfectly as a camp instructor.
“He was tactically disciplined, known for instilling professionalism and discipline in Nigerian players,” Fuludu said.
Bright Omokaro, another former Super Eagles player, said he was shocked to hear about the death of his former coach.
Omokaro added that the late Onigbinde was one of the great football coaches Nigeria ever produced.
He was a disciplinarian, a goal getter and honest.
“Onigbinde coached me in Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan and the senior National football team with dedication and full determination to achieve our goals.
“His passing is not just a loss of a coach but the departure of a national icon who embodied Nigerian resilience, leadership, and footballing excellence.
“Onigbinde’s life reminds us that football is more than sport; it is a vessel for national identity, pride, and unity. We will all miss him.
Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s and gained national recognition in 1977 after leading Water Corporation FC of Ibadan to the quarter-finals of the African Champions Cup.
In 1984, he guided Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan to the final of the same continental competition, further establishing his reputation as a top tactician.
A renowned teacher and instructor, he became the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior national team to a medal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He achieved the feat in 1984, winning a silver medal in Cote d’Ivoire with a team largely made up of rookies and a few experienced players.
Onigbinde later led the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, becoming the first indigenous coach to manage Nigeria at the global tournament.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
