Malam Umar Said, a former National Deputy President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has mourned the death of former Super Eagles Coach, Festus Onigbinde, describing him as a trailblazer in Nigerian football.
Said stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He described the late Onigbinde as a dedicated football tactician who made history by leading Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
According to him, Onigbinde became the first indigenous Nigerian coach to manage the Super Eagles at a global tournament.
Said said that the veteran coach, popularly known as “The Teacher,” earned the nickname because of his tactical discipline, emphasis on football education, and commitment to mentoring players and younger coaches.
He recalled that Onigbinde took charge of the Super Eagles during a challenging period after replacing the coaching crew led by Shaibu Amodu following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
Said noted that despite the circumstances, Onigbinde’s leadership helped sustain Nigeria’s presence on the global football stage.
He also called on the Federal Government to establish a special commission to cater for legendary sports figures who have contributed immensely to the country’s development.
“We must begin to recognise and support our sports heroes while they are alive and even after their service to the nation,” he said.
Similarly, another SWAN national executive member, Abbas Shehu, also expressed sadness over the death of the veteran coach, describing it as a huge loss to Nigerian football.
Shehu, a former National Auditor of SWAN, said Onigbinde played a significant role in nurturing young Nigerian talents who later became professional and international footballers.
He noted that the late coach’s appointment as the first indigenous Super Eagles coach marked a major milestone, demonstrating confidence in the capacity of local coaches to lead the national team.
Shehu added that Onigbinde’s legacy would be remembered for his commitment to youth development, discipline and football growth in Nigeria, Africa and the global sporting community.
He prayed for the repose of the late coach’s soul and urged the football community to honour his legacy by continuing to support the development of young talents in the country.
(NAN)
