Legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has paid an emotional tribute to former head coach Adegboye Onigbinde following the veteran manager’s passing last week.
Enyeama, who made his international debut under the late coach, described Onigbinde as a father figure who played a crucial role in shaping his football career.
Speaking about the late tactician, Enyeama reflected on the guidance and encouragement he received during the early stages of his journey with the Super Eagles.
“First of all, I will start by saying may his sweet soul rest in peace. He was really a great guy. He was a father figure to me back in the day when I started. He was always encouraging me, telling me stuff like, ‘Vincent, I know you are going to be a great guy in the future. You are very good.’”
“All the good words a father can tell his child, he was more of that figure to me. He would say, ‘Vincent, you need to do this, you need to do that.’ So he was a father figure to me.”
“It’s a shocking story and news that he is gone. I wish I had the opportunity to speak to him one more time, but unfortunately that never happened.”
Also read: Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboyega Onigbinde Dies At 88
“I want to wish his soul a perfect peace and rest. He was like family. His presence in my life meant that much it helped me rise and rise.”
Adegboye Onigbinde famously led Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The respected football tactician passed away at the age of 88, surrounded by family and close friends.
His legacy remains significant in Nigerian football, having mentored and influenced several generations of players, including one of the country’s most decorated goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama.
