Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu, who passed away at the age of 62.
The news of his death was announced on Saturday morning by his former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, through a message shared on his media platforms.
According to Odegbami, Nwosu died at about 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving intensive care treatment since Wednesday.
“After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 am this morning,” Odegbami wrote, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of his former teammate.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu MON. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”
Born in Imo State, Nwosu rose to prominence as a talented midfielder and was widely celebrated for his creativity, vision and technical brilliance on the pitch.
He etched his name in Nigeria’s football history as the youngest member of the national team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
The historic victory saw Nigeria’s then Green Eagles claim their first continental title on home soil, marking a defining moment in the nation’s sporting history.
Nwosu’s contributions during the tournament and throughout his playing career earned him widespread admiration among fans and fellow professionals alike.
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Beyond the national team, he also enjoyed a distinguished career in Nigerian domestic football, where he became a respected figure in the local league.
After hanging up his boots, the former international remained deeply connected to the sport.
He transitioned into coaching and mentorship, dedicating his time to developing young football talents and sharing his experience with the next generation of players.
His passing comes at a difficult time for Nigerian football, which recently lost another respected figure, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde. Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, died on March 9 at the age of 88.
Both Nwosu and Onigbinde played significant roles in shaping Nigerian football during the 1980s, with Onigbinde serving as head coach of the national team between 1982 and 1984.
Tributes have begun pouring in from former teammates, football administrators and fans, many of whom remember Nwosu not only for his exceptional skill on the field but also for his humility and dedication to the growth of the game in Nigeria.
As the nation reflects on his legacy, many say Nwosu’s impact on Nigerian football will endure for generations to come.