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Nigeria Mourns as 1980 AFCON Legend Henry Nwosu Dies at 62

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 15th, 2026.

Nigeria’s football community has been plunged into grief following the death of former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu, a key member of the historic squad that secured the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.

Nwosu reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospitalafter spending several days in intensive care.

The news of his death was first disclosed by Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami, who played alongside the late midfielder during the golden era of Nigerian football. According to Odegbami, Nwosu had been hospitalised for about five days before he died.

In a message shared on his media platforms, Odegbami expressed deep sorrow over the loss, recalling the nickname “Youngest Millionaire” that Nwosu earned during his playing career.

“It is with deep pain in my heart that I announce the passing of Henry Nwosu,” Odegbami said, adding that the former international died around 4 a.m. after receiving intensive medical attention.

Reports referenced by The Punch indicate that Nwosu’s death comes only days after the passing of former national team coach Adegboye Onigbinde, deepening the sense of loss within Nigeria’s football fraternity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also reacted to the news, describing the late midfielder as a gifted footballer whose talent and creativity left a lasting legacy in Nigerian sport.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president said Nwosu would always be remembered for the pride and excitement he brought to millions of Nigerians through his performances on the pitch.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation described the development as a painful loss to the country’s sporting community.

According to the federation’s General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Nigerian football has lost one of its most talented midfielders at a time when the sport was still mourning the death of Onigbinde.

“This is another tragic moment for Nigerian football. Henry Nwosu made enormous contributions to the game both as a player and later as a coach,” Sanusi said.

Widely regarded as one of the most creative midfielders of his generation, Nwosu rose to prominence as the youngest member of the Green Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first continental title at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.

His influence in the national team continued throughout the 1980s, as he featured in subsequent AFCON tournaments including the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, both finals played against Cameroon national football team.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the sports world. The National Sports Commission Nigeriadescribed Nwosu as a national icon whose legacy will remain part of Nigeria’s football history.

Director-General Bukola Olopade said the former midfielder embodied the passion and creativity that defined Nigerian football during its formative years on the continental stage.

“Nigeria has lost a true patriot of the game and one of the icons who helped shape the identity of our football,” Olopade stated.

The Super Eagles also paid tribute in a message shared on X, extending condolences to the family of the late footballer while recalling his role in the country’s historic 1980 AFCON victory.

Beyond his achievements with the national team, Nwosu enjoyed a notable club career, featuring for teams such as New Nigerian Bank FC and ACB Lagos FC before also playing professionally in Ivory Coast.

After retiring from active football, he remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor, working with several Nigerian clubs including Gateway FC and Heartland FC, where he contributed to player development and football administration.

Former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke described Nwosu as an inspiration to younger generations of footballers, noting that his impact extended far beyond the pitch.

According to reports referenced by The Guardian Nigeria, many within the football community believe Nwosu’s legacy will endure through the players and fans he inspired throughout his decades-long association with the game.

For many Nigerians, Henry Nwosu remains part of the generation of football heroes who laid the foundation for the country’s rise as a dominant force in African football.