Former Nigerian International Henry Nwosu Passes Away At 61

The football world is mourning the loss of Henry Nwosu, a former Nigerian international and a key member of the historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad.

Nwosu passed away at the age of 61 following a brief illness.

His death occurred in the early hours of Saturday, just days after the passing of another football legend, former Super Eagles coach Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.

The news was shared by former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who reported that Nwosu succumbed to his illness round 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, where he had been receiving treatment.

Odegbami revealed that Nwosu had been in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit since Wednesday, fighting for his life over the past five days. “It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu, the youngest of the victorious 1980 AFCON squad. He passed on at 4:00 a.m. this morning,” Odegbami said. He extended his condolences, adding, “May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”

Nwosu was celebrated as one of the most gifted players of his generation. As a teenager, he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Green Eagles secured the nation’s first continental title on home soil. His contributions to the tournament alongside legendary figures such as Christian Chukwu, Adokiye Amasiemaka, Felix Owolabi, Emmanuel Okala, Best Ogedegbe, and Okey Isima are fondly remembered.

As the football community reflects on Nwosu’s legacy, his impact on Nigerian football and his status as a cherished member of the 1980 squad will not be forgotten. His passing marks a significant loss, not only for his family and friends but for the entire nation that watched him shine on the pitch.