Nigerian Football Legend, Henry Nwosu Passes Away at 62

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu has died at the age of 62. The news was announced on Saturday morning by his former teammate and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, who confirmed that Nwosu passed away at 4:00 am at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Nwosu had been in intensive care since Wednesday, battling for his life for five days before his passing. Odegbami, who affectionately referred to him as the “Youngest Millionaire,” expressed deep pain while sharing the news and prayed for the legendary midfielder to rest peacefully.

As the youngest member of the 1980 AFCON squad, Nwosu played a celebrated role in Nigeria’s first continental title victory on home soil. He was widely admired throughout his career for his vision, technical ability, and creativity on the field, becoming a prominent figure in Nigerian football.

After retiring from active play, Nwosu remained dedicated to the sport by serving as a coach and mentor. He focused much of his later career on nurturing younger players and passing down the skills that made him a standout international star during his prime.

His death follows the recent loss of another Nigerian football icon, former coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on March 9. Both men were influential figures in the Green Eagles era of the 1980s and leave behind a significant legacy in the nation’s sporting history.