(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the passing of former national team coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Sanwo-Olu described the death of the Modakeke-born football icon, who died on Monday at the age of 88, as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly to football lovers.
The governor, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described Onigbinde, who led the Green Eagles to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, as a national icon.
Onigbinde also later coached the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as a legend of the game.
“The death of Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon.
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“He was one of the best Nigerian coaches in football history, a highly respected soccer tactician, and who also served as a CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor for many years,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said the late coach served Nigeria passionately between 1982 and 1984, guiding the Green Eagles to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Chief Onigbinde also coached Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan in 1984 and led the club to the final of the Africa Club Champions Cup.
“He was later recalled at a crucial period to coach the Super Eagles during the 2002 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
The governor described the late coach as a respected football icon and leader who made positive impacts in the development of Nigerian football.
“He will be sorely missed. I urge his family, friends, colleagues, and football fans to accept his passing as the will of God,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also extended his condolences to the Onigbinde family, the Osun Government and the Nigerian Football Federation over the demise of the former national team coach.
“I pray to God to grant eternal rest to the soul of Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and give his family, friends and football fans the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor said.
(NAN)
