He left a footprint on sand of time – NIS DG Shaibu pays tribute to late Super Eagles coach Onigbinde

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has paid tribute to former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde following news of his passing.

Shaibu described the late football tactician as a pioneer who left an indelible mark on Nigerian football and contributed immensely to the development of the game in the country.

Reacting to the news, Shaibu said he received the announcement with mixed feelings, gratitude for a life well lived and sadness that the nation could not fully celebrate the legendary coach while he was alive.

“It is with mixed feelings that I learned about the passing on to glory of Coach Adegboye Onigbinde, the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles,” Shaibu said.

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“On the one hand, there is gratitude to God for a life well spent, leaving your footprint on the sand of time. On the other hand, there is sadness that we were not able to fully tap from you as well as honour you like we discussed.”

Shaibu also recalled his visit to Onigbinde earlier this year. On February 9, 2026, he led a delegation from the National Institute for Sports on a courtesy visit to the late coach at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.

During the visit, Shaibu described Onigbinde as “a pillar in the foundation of Nigerian football, emphasizing the importance of honouring sports legends during their lifetime.

According to the NIS DG, Onigbinde represented an era defined by discipline, courage, and deep football intelligence.

“At the National Institute for Sports, we believe that our legends must be celebrated, respected, and preserved as national treasures,” Shaibu stated.

“We must also tap from their experience and wisdom in navigating our core mandate, but unfortunately, as a natural course, he is no longer with us.”

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Shaibu noted that the late coach leaves behind a powerful legacy that future generations of Nigerian coaches can learn from.

“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,” he added.

He concluded by praying for the repose of the coach’s soul and comfort for his family.

“We pray that God Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

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Coach Adegboye Onigbinde is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian football coaching and played a significant role in shaping the history of the national team.