A member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, Henry Nwosu has died at the age of 62.
The former Super Eagles midfielder died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after spending several days in intensive care.
Ex-international Segun Odegbami confirmed the development in an emotional message on Facebook, stating that Nwosu passed away around 4:00 a.m. after battling for his life in hospital for five days.
Odegbami described Nwosu as the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, where the country won its first continental title.
Born on June 14, 1963, in Imo State, Nwosu rose to prominence in the 1980s as one of Nigeria’s most talented midfielders, known for his creativity, dribbling skills and tactical intelligence.
He made about 60 appearances for Nigeria between 1980 and 1991, scoring eight goals and featuring in several editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, including 1980, 1982, 1984 and 1988. Nigeria finished runners-up in the 1984 and 1988 tournaments.
Nwosu also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics, where he scored the country’s only goal of the tournament.
At club level, he played for several teams including New Nigeria Bank FC and ACB Lagos FC. He also had spells abroad with ASEC Mimosas and Racing FC Bafoussam.
After retiring from professional football in the early 1990s, Nwosu moved into coaching and player development.
He later served as an assistant coach with Nigeria’s national teams, including the side that won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
In recent years, he battled health challenges, including a stroke that required ongoing medical care.
His death comes just days after the passing of former Adegboye Onigbinde.
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