The family of late Nigerian football icon Adegboye Onigbinde has announced a detailed programme for his final rites, with ceremonies scheduled to take place in Ibadan and Modakeke next month.
Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88, will be honoured with a Service of Songs on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The remembrance activities will continue on Thursday, June 25, with a novelty match featuring football legends from Oyo and Osun States.
A second Service of Songs will be held in his hometown of Modakeke, Osun State, ahead of the final burial ceremonies on Friday, June 26. The programme will conclude with a thanksgiving and outing service, followed by a reception in Modakeke.
The funeral rites come at a time when global football attention will be focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding a poignant backdrop to the farewell of one of Nigeria’s most respected tacticians.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of indigenous coaching excellence, Onigbinde built a reputation on discipline, tactical organisation, and long-term player development.
His contributions to Nigerian football earned him roles on the Confederation of African Football Technical Committee and as an instructor for both CAF and FIFA.
On the international stage, he guided Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, narrowly missing out on the title.
Nearly two decades later, he answered a national call once again, leading the Super Eagles to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan under difficult circumstances.
At club level, Onigbinde also left an enduring legacy, taking Shooting Stars SC to the final of the 1984 African Cup of Champions Clubs.
Beyond football, he was a respected traditional figure, serving as the Ekerin Balogun of Modakeke, where he remained a prominent community leader.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on Nigerian football development and coaching philosophy is expected to endure for generations.