Chairman of the Ex-Ibadan Professional Footballers Association, Temitope Ademola Obideyi, has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning the passing of legendary football coach Festus Adegboye Onigbinde.
High Chief Onigbinde, a respected Modakeke leader and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football tacticians, was widely known for his historic role as the first indigenous coach to lead the Nigeria national football team.
Reacting to the news of his passing, Obideyi described the late football icon as a father figure in Nigerian football whose life and career shaped generations of players and coaches across the country.
According to Obideyi, High Chief Onigbinde’s contribution to the development of football in Nigeria remains unmatched, noting that his discipline, tactical brilliance, and commitment to grassroots football helped place Nigerian football on the global map.
He also described the late coach as a symbol of dedication and patriotism whose influence went far beyond the football pitch.
Obideyi further extended his heartfelt condolences to the Onigbinde family, the people of Modakeke, the Nigerian football community, and sports lovers across the nation over the loss of the revered coach.
He prayed that God grants the family the strength to bear the loss and that the soul of the late High Chief finds eternal rest.
High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde is remembered not only as a football legend but also as a devoted father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, and community leader whose legacy in Nigerian football will continue to inspire generations to come.
The family has indicated that details of the final funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.