The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former international midfielder and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Henry Nwosu.
The news was confirmed early Saturday by his longtime friend and former teammate Segun Odegbami, who disclosed that the football icon died around 4:00 a.m. at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after spending five days in intensive care.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I convey the news of the death of Henry Nwosu, MON,” Odegbami wrote. “The youngest of the victorious 1980 AFCON squad, the one I call the ‘Youngest Millionaire,’ passed on after battling for his life.”
Born on June 6, 1963, Nwosu rose to prominence as a gifted midfield maestro who made a significant impact in Nigerian domestic football. He enjoyed memorable spells with clubs including New Nigeria Bank FC and African Continental Bank FC, where his performances earned him widespread recognition.
The talented midfielder also had stints abroad with ASEC Mimosas in Côte d’Ivoire and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon.
Nwosu etched his name in Nigerian football history when he became the youngest member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Nigeria national football team squad at just 18.
He later represented Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, where he scored the country’s only goal in the tournament. Nwosu also featured at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, and 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, winning silver medals in the latter two competitions.
His international career spanned more than a decade, with his final appearance for the Super Eagles coming in 1991.
Nwosu’s death comes just days after the passing of legendary Nigerian coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on March 10.
Both men shared a historic link in Nigerian football history, as Nwosu played a key role in the Green Eagles squad coached by Onigbinde that secured a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Tributes have begun pouring in from former teammates, football administrators and fans, celebrating Nwosu’s enduring legacy in Nigerian football.
