President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, associates, and the entire Nigerian football community.

Tinubu also sympathised with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans across the country over the loss of the respected football administrator.

The President described Onigbinde as a trailblazer whose contributions significantly advanced the growth and development of football in Nigeria.

He noted that the late coach made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, praising his leadership and dedication to the sport.

“Chief Onigbinde distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982,” the statement said.

Tinubu further highlighted Onigbinde’s role in guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s football history.

The President also commended the late Modakeke High Chief for his commitment to grassroots football and his efforts to strengthen football administration in Nigeria.

He said Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the game.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late football icon and asked God to grant comfort to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

New Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman marked his debut for the Spanish club with a goal on Thursday, scoring the third strike in their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Real Betis at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

Lookman finalised his transfer from Atalanta on Monday, resumed training with his new teammates on Tuesday, and wasted no time in opening his account for the club.

The Nigerian forward scored Atlético’s third goal in the 37th minute with a trademark finish, following an opener from David Hancko in the 12th minute and Giuliano Simeone’s strike in the 30th minute.

Atlético coach Diego Simeone had hinted on Wednesday at the possibility of handing Lookman his debut in the fixture.

The 28-year-old arrived alongside two other winter signings — Rodri Mendoza from Elche and Obed Vargas from Seattle Sounders — and Simeone spoke glowingly about the reigning African Player of the Year during his pre-match press conference.

“Three important players have arrived. We’re going to need them, and we’ll work together to finish the season in the best way possible,” Simeone said, via Spidy Atlético.

“He (Lookman) joined the group very quickly, and you could immediately notice his physical strength, his speed, his ability to change the play, and his power in the final third.

“We hope he can help us in the way he believes he can, and in the way we expect. Obviously, it’s important that partnerships are formed for the good of the team, because that’s what it’s about — bringing good players together.”

Lookman joined Atlético on a four-year deal worth €40 million (€35 million plus €5 million in add-ons) and was officially presented to fans on Tuesday, taking the No. 22 jersey.

Simeone and his side are enduring a difficult phase of the campaign. Atlético currently sit 10 points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona and face a Champions League play-off tie against Club Brugge in the coming weeks as they bid to remain in the competition.

As a result, the Copa del Rey represents Atlético’s most realistic route to silverware this season, although they must first overcome Betis.

“Proud and excited to start this new chapter. I’m happy to join Atlético de Madrid, a massive club with rich history and passion,” Lookman wrote on X.

“New city, new challenges, new energy. I’m ready to give everything on the pitch and fight for these colours every time I step out there. Let’s get to work. Aupa.”

The move to Spain brought an end to Lookman’s long-running transfer saga with Atalanta.

During three-and-a-half seasons in Serie A, the former Leicester City winger scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists in 137 appearances for the Bergamo-based club.

Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Ademola Lookman, the Spanish club announced on Sunday.

“Both clubs have agreed to the transfer of 28-year-old Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, who is already in Madrid,” Atletico said in a statement.

“The agreement is pending a medical examination and the signing of his contract,” it added.

Lookman, who scored a hat-trick as the Italian side defeated Bayer Leverkusen to win the Europa League in 2024, is expected to cost Atletico around €40 million ($47.5 million), according to media reports.

He played a major role in Nigeria’s impressive campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The winger has scored three goals in 19 matches across all competitions this season for Atalanta.

Born in London, Lookman began his career at Charlton Athletic before joining Everton.

After a loan spell at RB Leipzig, he signed permanently for the German side in 2019 but was later loaned to Premier League clubs Fulham and Leicester City before moving to Atalanta in 2022.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone has been seeking additional reinforcements after Giacomo Raspadori left for Atalanta and Conor Gallagher joined Tottenham earlier in the winter transfer window.

Meanwhile, Rojiblancos striker Julián Álvarez is enduring a goal drought, having failed to score in his last 11 La Liga appearances.