“A true legend”: Tinubu mourns passing of football icon Adegboye Onigbinde

President Bola Tinubu has offered heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and close associates of legendary football administrator and former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde.

Persecondnews had reported that the veteran sports figure sadly passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

In a special tribute released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and copied Persecondnews, the President extended his sympathies to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, fellow professionals in the field, and football lovers everywhere following the loss of the trailblazing homegrown coach who first took charge of the national side in 1982.

“The Modakeke high chief will always be appreciated for advancing football development right from the community roots and enhancing the structures of sports management in our country,” Tinubu stated in the message.

The President further highlighted Onigbinde’s pioneering achievements, noting his guidance that propelled the team into the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations championship match.

“The accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the round-leather game,” Tinubu said.

“May the soul of this great man find eternal peace, and may his family receive the strength they need in this difficult time,” the President added.

The family shared the news of his passing on Monday through a statement signed by Bolade Adesuyi.

Onigbinde earned a place in history by steering Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea.

The squad exited at the group stage after narrow defeats to Argentina by 1-0 and Sweden by 2-1, along with a goalless stalemate against England.

Persecondnews recalls that Onigbinde had earlier served as coach of the Green Eagles from 1982 to 1984.

During that period in 1984, he led the team to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where they fell 3-1 to Cameroon.

Later that same year, he assumed leadership at Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and took the club all the way to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, only to lose out to Zamalek SC of Egypt.

Even after leaving the national team post, Onigbinde continued to command respect as a key voice in Nigerian football and went on to work as a technical instructor for both the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.