Henry Nwosu: ‘We’ll never forget his enormous contributions’ – NFF mourns

By Emmanuel Okogba

Nigerian football is in mourning once again following the death of 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Henry Nwosu, who passed away early Saturday morning in a Lagos hospital at the age of 62.

Widely 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 in 1980 at just 17 years old. He went on to feature prominently in the finals of the 1984 and 1988 editions, both against Cameroon.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep sorrow over the loss, coming only days after the passing 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 stunning 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 was equally illustrious. He dazzled for New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin and ACB FC of Lagos before playing in Côte d’Ivoire. Known for his elegant dribbling, vision, creativity and flair, he later transitioned into coaching with several domestic clubs after retirement.

His passing brings to nine the number of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad who have died, 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 have begun pouring in from across the football community, honouring a player whose skill and composure left an indelible mark on Nigerian football history.

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