By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Super Eagles midfielder Paul Okoku has paid an emotional tribute to his former national team coach, late Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, describing him as a visionary who transformed Nigerian football through his unwavering belief in youth development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12 on Tuesday, Okoku reflected on the passing of Onigbinde last week, emphasizing that the coach’s legacy extended far beyond results on the pitch.
“Great coaches do more than win matches, they create opportunities for others to succeed,” Okoku said. “Coach Onigbinde may be gone, but the values he taught will continue to live on in all of us.”
Okoku recalled that during a period when many coaches relied heavily on established stars, Onigbinde stood apart with a clear philosophy rooted in merit, discipline, and daily performance.
According to him, the late coach fostered a competitive environment where no player was guaranteed a place, regardless of reputation.
“With Coach Onigbinde, reputation meant nothing, you earned your place by being at your best every single day.”
Okoku noted that this mindset became a defining principle for the squad and helped shape a generation of Nigerian footballers.
One of the most defining moments of Onigbinde’s tenure came in 1983, during Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco in Rabat.
In a bold and unconventional move, the coach promoted several young players from the Flying Eagles into the senior team, among them Okoku, Chibuzor Ehilegbu, and Isa Shofoluwe.
“We were young, unproven at that level. But the coach saw something others did not,” Okoku said. “He saw belief.”
That faith proved decisive as Nigeria secured qualification after a dramatic penalty shootout. The performances of the young trio became part of Nigerian football folklore, earning them the nickname “The Big Three” – a phrase popularized by legendary commentator Ernest Okonkwo.
Beyond the result, Okoku highlighted a deeply personal moment that captured Onigbinde’s character. After the match, the coach embraced the young players and referred to them as “My Golden Boys.”
For Okoku, the gesture symbolized something greater than victory: “It was not just about football. It was about trust. Before the nation believed in us, Coach Onigbinde did.”
Okoku stressed that Onigbinde’s greatest contribution was his long-term vision for Nigerian football development. By integrating youth players into the senior national team, he established a pathway that ensured continuity and growth.
“From that moment forward, we understood that representing Nigeria was not simply about talent,” he said. “It was about discipline, preparation, and responsibility.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Okoku reflected on the enduring influence of his former coach, noting that while life is fleeting, true impact lasts.
“Coach Onigbinde’s legacy is not just in victories, but in the players he believed in and the standards he set,” he added.