“My Father Fought Well to Stay Alive”: Onigbinde’s Son Speaks on Late Super Eagles Coach’s Final Days

Oyekunle Onigbinde, the last child of late Super Eagles coach Festus Onigbinde, has described his father’s final days, saying the 88-year-old “fought well to stay alive.” Speaking to NAN in Ibadan, Oyekunle said his father’s death on Monday came as a huge shock. “He was sick, but due to old age, his body couldn’t fight the recovery.” He described his father as a generous, accommodating man who “pulled everyone together.”

Renowned sports analyst Tayo Balogun also shared memories, recalling a 40-minute phone conversation with Onigbinde in 2025 where they discussed his coaching philosophy, including his decision to practice penalties after a 4-0 win over Tonnere Kalara, a move that proved prescient. Balogun praised Onigbinde as “the most thorough Nigerian coach,” noting his bravery in selecting young players for the 2002 World Cup and his ability to achieve results with limited resources.

Key Points..READ FULL; FROM THE SOURCE.

Son says Onigbinde “fought well,” but age hindered recovery.
Describes the late coach as generous, accommodating, and a unifying figure.
Balogun recalls 40-minute call where Onigbinde discussed penalty practice after 4-0 win.
Onigbinde acknowledged one World Cup selection mistake but defended his approach.
Balogun calls him “the most thorough Nigerian coach” who achieved results with little.

Festus Onigbinde’s son and colleagues remember a fighter who battled illness, a coach who prepared for the unexpected, and a man who united everyone, a legacy that transcends wins and losses.

Sources: Family, NAN