NFF supports burial of former Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) provided support as prominent Nigerians gathered for the burial of former Nigeria coach Chief Osuolale Bolarinwa Adegboye Onigbinde in Modakeke, Osun State, on June 27, 2026. The ceremony took place at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, where top government officials, royal fathers, NFF officials, political figures, philanthropists, religious leaders, retired civil servants, business moguls, former Nigeria international players, and community leaders paid their final respects.

Adegboye Onigbinde, who made history as the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria’s senior men’s team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and to the FIFA World Cup finals, was celebrated through numerous tributes. Priests spoke highly of the late coach, who also served as Technical Adviser of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association and later as Technical Advisor to FIFA.

Former Nigeria captain and coach Augustine Eguavoen, representing the NFF, acknowledged the significant impact Onigbinde had on his career. He noted Onigbinde's role as a pathfinder in elevating the status of indigenous coaches through his intellect and dedication. Eguavoen stated, "The NFF recognises and appreciates the service of late Chief Onigbinde to our country. His tremendous energy and hard work made him a towering figure in coaching globally. "He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to win silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations, and also became the first Nigerian to lead them at the FIFA World Cup. His legacy is stout and impressive. The country will miss him, but we pray for the repose of his soul and for God to comfort the family he has left behind and the Nigeria Football family as a whole."

Dr Felix Owolabi, former Nigeria captain and member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, paid tribute to Onigbinde's knowledge, courage, mentorship, and integrity. The occasion was also attended by other notable figures, including former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun MON, NFF’s Director of Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, former Nigeria captain Mutiu Adepoju, representatives from the Osun State government, and other former players. The NFF contributed financially to the funeral arrangements for Chief Onigbinde's family.