By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos: The Osun State Football Association (FA) has joined the global football community in mourning the passing of renowned football icon, Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state FA Chairman, Mr Sola Fonawopo, described the elder statesman as “a legend, an enigma and a pioneer of football development in Nigeria.”
Fonawopo said Onigbinde was a colossus whose influence stretched from grassroots football pitches to the highest technical committees of CAF and FIFA.
“His five decades of selfless service to Nigerian football were defined by unwavering patriotism and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“As a former national team coach and respected technical instructor, his footprints are indelibly etched in the history of the round leather game,” he said.
Fonawopo urged local coaches and tacticians to emulate Onigbinde’s virtues, describing him as a man far ahead of his time.
“He never stopped learning. Even in his advanced years, he remained a student of the game before video analysis and data metrics became mainstream.
“Onigbinde embraced technology to break down football’s complexities. We challenge coaches to move beyond traditional methods and integrate modern technology into their philosophy,” he noted.
Fonawopo said the late coach was fearless in speaking truth to power and implementing bold tactical decisions.
“To be an Onigbinde protégé is to be courageous in conviction and committed to the advancement of the game,” he added.
The Osun FA chairman also called for the immortalisation of the late football icon, describing him as a national treasure whose roots remained firmly in Modakeke.
He urged the Nigeria Football Federation Board, and the Oyo and Osun state governments to collaborate on preserving his legacy.
Fonawopo: “We propose naming a high-performance technical centre or a major stadium stand in his honour.
“We also advocate an annual Onigbinde Technical Lecture or a coaching scholarship to preserve his intellectual contributions for future generations.
“A true iroko has fallen, but his seeds are sown across the continent. We pray for strength for his family and the football community.
“Rest on, High Chief. Your whistle has blown, but the game continues in your honour.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)