President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy with the family and associates of former national team coach Adegboye Onigbinde.
Mr. Onigbinde died on Monday at the age of 88.
The president also sent condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), football colleagues and fans.
President Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his special adviser on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga.
The president said Onigbinde played a role in the development of football and administration of the sport in Nigeria.
He noted that the coach led Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.
“The accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight and passion for the round-leather game,” the president said.
Tinubu also prayed for comfort for the family.
The family announced his death in a message signed by Bolade Adesuyi.
Onigbinde coached the national team between 1982 and 1984 and was the first Nigerian to lead the team as head coach.
He later returned to guide Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Nigeria lost 1–0 to Argentina and 2–1 to Sweden and drew 0–0 with England in the group stage.
In 1984, he also led Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations where the team lost 3–1 to Cameroon.
Later that year, he became coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and led the club to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they lost to Zamalek SC of Egypt.
After leaving the national team, Adegboye Onigbinde worked as a technical instructor for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
His family said funeral arrangements will be announced later.
