The technical director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen has poured fresh encomiums of former Super Eagles’ head coach, late Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, who he recalls rose to the pinnacle of coaching through dint of hard work.
Sports247 reports that Eguavoen made the revelation during the funeral of the former two-time coach of the Nigerian national team and 1984 Africa Cup of Nations silver-winning gaffer at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke in Osun State.
Eguavoen added that the late Chief Onigbinde had a tremendous impact on his football career, and hailed the former football instructor as a pathfinder who boosted indigenous coaches through his high level of intellect, proficiency and zeal.
The former Super Eagles’ captain stated, “The NFF recognises and appreciates the service of late Chief Onigbinde to our country. He was very energetic and rose to the pinnacle of the profession by dint of 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 at the Africa Cup of Nations, and also became the first Nigerian to lead them at the FIFA World Cup (in 2002).
“After retirement, he continued to impact football highly by serving as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is stout and impressive.
“The nation will miss him, but we pray for the repose of his soul and for God to comfort the family he has left behind and the Nigeria football family as a whole.”
