The Nigeria Football Federation has paid tribute to former Green Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu following his death at the age of 62.
Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, reportedly died early Saturday at a hospital in Lagos, throwing the Nigerian football community into mourning.
Reacting to the development, the NFF, in a statement through the body’s Secretary General, described his death as a painful loss for the country’s football family, particularly coming shortly after the passing of former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde.
“This is another very sad news, even as we are still mourning the demise of Chief Onigbinde,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said.
“Nigeria Football Federation 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.”
With his death, the number of deceased members of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad has risen to nine, including former stars such as Christian Chukwu, Mudashiru Lawal and Best Ogedegbe.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football community, celebrating the life and legacy of a player whose skill and influence helped shape one of the most memorable eras in Nigerian football history.
Widely regarded as one of the finest left-sided midfielders of his era, Nwosu was the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 squad, helping the Green Eagles secure the country’s first continental title at just 17.
He later featured in the finals of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, both of which Nigeria lost to Cameroon.
One of the most memorable moments of his international career came in April 1981 when, at 18, he scored a long-range goal against Guinea’s Syli Stars in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, helping Nigeria advance to the final round against Algeria.
At club level, Nwosu played for sides including New Nigerian Bank FC and ACB FC before later moving to Côte d’Ivoire. Known for his vision, creativity and technical ability, he transitioned into coaching after retirement and worked with several domestic clubs.
