NIS DG Shaibu Recognises Onigbinde’s Lifetime Contribution to Nigerian Football
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, on Monday led senior officials of the institute and the President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Coach Ladan Bosso, on a courtesy visit to Chief Adegboye Onigbinde at his residence in Modakeke, Ife, Osun State.
The visit was an acknowledgement of Onigbinde’s lifetime contribution to Nigerian football.
Born on March 5, 1938, Chief Onigbinde managed the Nigeria national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, having earlier served as head coach between 1982 and 1984.
During his first tenure, he guided the Green Eagles to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria lost 3–1 to Cameroon in the final.
His influence extended far beyond Nigeria, serving as a CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor, mentoring coaches and shaping football education across Africa and beyond.
Speaking during the visit, Shaibu described Onigbinde as ‘a pillar in the foundation of Nigerian football’ and emphasized the importance of honouring sports legends while they are still alive.
‘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,’ he stated.
Chief Onigbinde, visibly touched by the gesture, expressed appreciation to the NIS leadership and praised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing Shaibu to lead the institute.
He encouraged young coaches and administrators to embrace learning, professionalism, and integrity, stressing that these values remain essential for the future of Nigerian football.
