Former Eagles coach, Onigbinde buried in Modakeke

Prominent Nigerians, including senior government officials, royal fathers, senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, political bigwigs, prominent figures in the Ivory Tower, philanthropists, religious leaders, retired civil servants, business tycoons, former Nigerian national team players and community leaders were on Friday at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, Osun State, where the final burial rites of former Nigeria coach and former technical director of the NFF, Chief Osuolale Bolarinwa Adegboye Onigbinde, took place.

It was an occasion of tribute after tribute for the late tactician, who was the first indigenous coach to take Nigeria’s senior men’s team to the Africa Cup of Nations final and the first indigenous coach to lead the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup finals.

Priest after priest praised High Chief Modakeke, who also once served as a technical advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and rose to the position of technical advisor to world football’s governing body, FIFA.

Former Nigeria captain and coach, Augustine Eguavoen, who spoke on behalf of the NFF, confessed that the late Chief Onigbinde had a huge impact on his football career and hailed the deceased as a pioneer who strengthened the legacy of indigenous coaching through his high level of intellect, expertise and hard work in the coaching profession.

“The NFF recognizes and appreciates the service rendered to our country by the late Chief Onigbinde. He was very energetic and rose to the pinnacle of the profession through hard work, dedication and discipline. He was 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 to the FIFA World Cup. Even after retirement, he continued to make a great impact by serving as a resource person during NFF training programs. His legacy is strong and impressive. He will be missed by the nation, but we pray for the repose of his soul and for God to comfort the family he leaves behind and the Nigerian football family as a whole.”

Former Nigeria captain and NFF Technical and Development Committee member, Dr. Felix Owolabi, extolled Onigbinde’s knowledge in his field and lauded the man’s courage, mentorship and integrity.

Also present on the occasion were former NFF Secretary General Ambassador Fanny Amun MON; NFF Communications Director; Dr. Ademola Olajire, former captain of Nigeria Mutiu Adepoju; representatives of the Osun State Government; royal fathers and; former national team players and former players of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan.

The NFF financially supported the funeral program with a donation to Onigbinde’s family.