Former Super Eagles Midfielder and 1980 AFCON Hero Henry Nwosu Passes Away at 62

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Nigeria's football fraternity is in deep mourning following the passing of legendary former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, who died at the age of 62 on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The sad news was confirmed by his former teammate and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, Segun Odegbami, who shared an emotional tribute on social media. Odegbami revealed that Nwosu, affectionately nicknamed the "Youngest Millionaire," had been battling for his life in the hospital for five days. He passed away at approximately 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday.

Nwosu was a key member of Nigeria's historic 1980 AFCON-winning team, which triumphed on home soil in Lagos. As the youngest player in that squad, he contributed significantly with his creativity, vision, and technical brilliance in midfield. He also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Olympics, scoring the country's only goal in the tournament, and featured in subsequent AFCON editions in 1982, 1984, and 1988.

Beyond his playing days, Nwosu remained involved in football, serving as an assistant coach during the 2008 Beijing Olympics under Samson Siasia, where Nigeria's Dream Team won silver.

His death comes just days after the passing of another Nigerian football icon, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on March 9 at 88.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences, describing Nwosu as one of Nigeria’s most gifted footballers whose dedication and legacy will endure for generations. The Nigeria Football Federation and the current Super Eagles team have also paid tribute, commiserating with his family and acknowledging his role in the nation's football history.

Henry Nwosu's contributions helped lay the foundation for Nigeria's success in African and global football. He will be remembered as a mercurial talent and a true pioneer.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. 🇳🇬🕊️

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