President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigeria national football team head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, describing him as one of the pioneers who helped shape modern Nigerian football.

According to reports by Punch Newspapers and Vanguard Newspapers, the veteran football tactician passed away after decades of contributing to the growth of the sport in Nigeria and across Africa.

In a condolence message released by the presidency, Tinubu praised Onigbinde’s lifelong dedication to football development, noting that his leadership and technical expertise helped elevate the national team during his time in charge.

“Coach Onigbinde was a patriotic sportsman whose commitment to the development of football inspired generations of players and coaches,” the President said while sympathizing with the football community and the family of the late coach.

Adegboye Onigbinde is widely remembered for leading the Nigeria national football team during the early 2000s, including at the historic 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan.

Tributes have continued to pour in from former players, football administrators, and sports lovers across the country, many describing him as a disciplined tactician and mentor who devoted his life to nurturing football talents.

Sports analysts quoted by The Guardian Nigeria said Onigbinde’s legacy would remain firmly etched in the history of Nigerian football, especially for his role in mentoring young coaches and promoting professionalism in the domestic league.

President Tinubu concluded his message by praying for the peaceful repose of the late coach’s soul while urging the Nigerian football community to honour his legacy by continuing the work he passionately pursued throughout his lfetime.