Nigerian football mourns as 1980 AFCON winner Henry Nwosu dies at 62

Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Henry Nwosu, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 62.

The news of his passing was announced by Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami via his social 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 medical care since Wednesday, March 11.

“Henry Nwosu passes on. After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 a.m. this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday,” Odegbami wrote.

“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,” he added.

Born in Imo State, Nwosu rose to prominence as a gifted midfielder known for his vision, creativity and technical skill. He was the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, where the then Green Eagles won the country’s first continental title on home soil.

His performances during the tournament and in subsequent international appearances established him as one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation with the Super Eagles.

Beyond his international career, Nwosu was also a prominent figure in Nigerian domestic football, earning admiration for his intelligence on the ball and leadership on the field.

After retiring from active football, the former international remained deeply involved in the game, working as a coach and mentor to younger players while contributing to grassroots football development.

Nwosu’s death comes just days after the passing of former Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and died at the age of 88.