NFF Mourns Former Nigeria national football team Star Henry Nwosu, Dead at 62
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has again been thrown into mourning following the death of former Nigeria national football team midfielder Henry Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nwosu reportedly died in a hospital in Lagos early Saturday morning 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 then Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 continental title at just 17 years old. He later featured in the finals of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations and 1988 Africa Cup of Nations.
The NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, described Nwosu’s death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s football family.
Sanusi said the sad development came only days after the death of former NFF Technical Director and ex-national team coach, Adegboye Onigbinde.
“This is another very sad news while we are still mourning Chief Onigbinde. Nigeria football will never forget Henry Nwosu’s immense contributions as a player and coach,” Sanusi said.
He prayed for the repose of the late footballer’s soul and asked for strength for his family, friends and associates to bear the loss.
Sanusi also described the late midfielder as a key figure in Nigeria’s football history.
On April 25, 1981, Nwosu scored one of Nigeria’s memorable goals during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Guinea national football team, helping the Eagles progress to the final qualifying round against Algeria national football team.
Nwosu also played a role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON finals in 1984 and 1988 against Cameroon national football team. Nigeria lost 3–1 in Abidjan in 1984 and suffered a narrow defeat in Casablanca in 1988.
During the 1988 final, Nwosu’s first-half header was controversially ruled out by Mauritanian referee Idrissa Sarr, a decision many believed denied Nigeria a legitimate goal.
With his passing, nine members of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad have now died, including Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Tunde Bamidele, Okey Isima, Christian Chukwu, Mudashiru Lawal, Aloysius Atuegbu and Martins Eyo.
At club level, Nwosu played for New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin and ACB FC in Lagos before having a stint in Côte d’Ivoire, where he thrilled fans with his dribbling skills, creativity and vision.
After retiring from active football, he ventured into coaching and worked with several domestic clubs, contributing to grassroots football development in Nigeria.
