Nigerian football is in mourning following the death of Henry Nwosu, a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad. Nwosu passed away early Saturday morning in a hospital in Lagos at the age of 62.
Regarded as one of the finest left sided midfielders of his generation, Nwosu was the youngest member of the Green Eagles squad that lifted Nigeria’s first AFCON title on home soil at just 17 years old. He also played in the finals of the 1984 and 1988 editions, both against Cameroon.
The Nigeria Football Federation expressed deep sorrow over his passing, which comes just days after the death of former Technical Director and two time Super Eagles head coach Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.
“This is another very sad news even as we are still mourning the demise of Chief Onigbinde,” NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi said. “Nigeria football can never forget the enormous contributions of Henry Nwosu both as a player and a coach. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant the family he has left behind as well as friends and relations the fortitude to bear the loss.”
One of Nwosu’s most iconic moments came on April 25 1981, when at 18 he scored a long range goal against Guinea’s Syli Stars in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, securing Nigeria’s advancement to the final round against Algeria.
Nwosu’s club career included stints with New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin and ACB FC of Lagos before playing professionally in Côte d’Ivoire. Known for his dribbling vision creativity and flair, he later transitioned into coaching several domestic clubs after retirement.
His passing brings to nine the number of the 1980 AFCON winning squad who have d, including goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong defenders Tunde Bamidele Okey Isima and Christian Chukwu midfielders Mudashiru Lawal and Aloysius Atuegbu and forward Martins Eyo.
Tributes from across the football community have begun pouring in, honouring a player whose s and composure left an indelible mark on Nigerian football history.
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