Festus Onigbinde

It’s hard to believe Adegboye – Festus – is really gone. March 9th felt…wrong, like a page had been ripped out of a beautiful, vibrant story. He left us on March 11th, at the grand old age of 88, and honestly, the world feels a little quieter without his booming laugh and that particular twinkle in his eye. I met Festus back in university, a nervous freshman utterly lost in the Lagos sprawl. He immediately took me under his wing, introducing me to the best suya stands and patiently explaining the intricacies of Nigerian football – a passion he held with a fierce, almost religious devotion. He wasn’t just a manager; he was a storyteller, a strategist, and a genuinely good man who always had a kind word and a strong cup of tea brewing. Festus dedicated his life to Nigerian football, most notably as a manager for the national team. But for me, and I think for so many who knew him, it was about so much more than just wins and losses. It was about his unwavering belief in the potential of our young players, his tireless work ethic, and his absolute love for the beautiful game. I remember countless evenings spent watching matches with him, him scribbling furiously in a notebook, analyzing every pass, every tackle. He’d get so animated, his face flushed with excitement or frustration – it was utterly captivating. And of course, there was the singing! He could belt out a Nigerian football anthem like nobody’s business. He was married to the wonderful Bola for over sixty years, and their love was a constant, comforting presence in his life. They were the very definition of a team, supporting each other through thick and thin, and raising a remarkable family – children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all touched by his warmth and wisdom. Beyond football, Festus was a man of simple pleasures. He adored gardening, spending hours tending to his roses, and he had a surprisingly competitive streak when it came to dominoes. But more than anything, he loved spending time with his family, sharing stories, and offering advice. He had a knack for making people feel seen and valued, and he genuinely cared about the well-being of everyone around him. He mentored countless young coaches and administrators, instilling in them his passion for the game and his commitment to developing talent. Festus’s legacy isn’t just about trophies or statistics; it’s about the countless lives he touched with his kindness, his dedication, and his infectious enthusiasm. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, my dear friend.