….. NIS DG/CEO Comrade Shaibu
… Recounts his visit to Modakeke
It is with a mixed feeling that I learned about the passing on to glory of Coach Adegboye Onigbinde, the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles.
On the one hand, a feeling of gratitude to God for a life well spent, leaving your foot print on the sand of time. On the other hand a sad feeling that we were not able to fully tap from you as well as honour you like we discussed.
I recall on February 9, 2026 when I led the National Institute for Sports (NIS) delegation on a courtesy visit to the late tactician at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State. I saw “a pillar in the foundation of Nigerian football”, and I stressed that honouring sports legends while they are still alive is a core responsibility of institutions charged with sports development.
Coach Onigbinde represents an era of discipline, courage, and football intelligence. At the National Institute for Sports, we believe that our legends must be celebrated, respected, and preserved as national treasures, while we also tap from their experience and wisdom in navigating our core mandate but unfortunately and as a natural course he is no longer with us.
Coach Onigbinde has made his mark and leaves behind a legacy for other coaches or would-be coaches to follow. Nigeria will miss his wealth of experience.
We pray that God Almighty grants his Soul eternal rest and gives his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Rest in peace Coach Adegboye Onigbinde!