Ex Super Eagles midfielder Nwosu for burial June 6

By Amaechi Agbo

The family of late Nigerian football icon, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, MON, has announced the burial arrangements for the former Green Eagles star and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner.
The programme of events released by the family showed that the obsequies will begin on Monday, June 1, 2026, with a Night of Tributes at Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, from 4pm to 7pm.
Nwosu, fondly remembered as the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 AFCON squad, remains one of the country’s finest midfielders whose creativity and composure helped shape a golden era for Nigerian football. His exploits with Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now Heartland FC, also cemented his place as a household name in domestic football where he later served as a coach and mentor to young players.
According to the burial programme, a Service of Songs will hold on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Umukwoma Umuorie-Naze in Owerri, Imo State, beginning at 4pm. This will be followed on Friday, June 5, with a commemorative football match at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, by 3pm involving Lagos Legends and Imo Legends in honour of the late football ambassador whose contributions to Nigerian football development stretched beyond his playing days.
The funeral rites will continue on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with lying-in-state at Dan Anyiam Stadium before the funeral mass at his country home in Umukwoma, Naze, Imo State, from 10am to 11am, after which interment will immediately follow. A thanksgiving service will later hold on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Naze, by 10am.
Until his passing, Nwosu remained an influential figure in Nigerian football administration and youth development, serving at different times as a board member of Heartland FC and as a coach with Nigeria’s national under-17 team.
His commitment to nurturing young talents and advancing football in Imo State and Nigeria earned him admiration across generations of players and fans.
In a statement made available by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, Secretary, Tunde Liadi, with the consent of the Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, the association described Nwosu as a humble patriot, respected football legend and symbol of dedication whose legacy will continue to inspire Nigerian sports.
SWAN Imo also extended condolences to his family, former teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the entire football fraternity, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.