Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into
mourning following the death of former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu,
who passed away at the age of 62.
His death was confirmed on Saturday morning, March 14,
by his former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun
Odegbami.
Odegbami disclosed that Nwosu died in the early hours
of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, where he
had been receiving treatment and was placed in intensive care for several days.
Sharing the sad news, Odegbami revealed that the
ex-midfielder had been battling for his life in the hospital before eventually
passing away at about 4:00 a.m.
“With deep pain in my heart, I announce the passing of
Henry Nwosu, whom I fondly called ‘Youngest Millionaire.’ After spending five
days in the hospital fighting for his life, he passed away at 4:00 a.m. at the
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos. May he rest
peacefully with our Creator in Heaven,” Odegbami wrote.
Nwosu earned the nickname “Youngest Millionaire”
after becoming the youngest member of the Nigerian squad that won the country’s
first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.
Born on June 14, 1963, in Imo State, Nwosu rose to
prominence during the golden era of Nigerian football in the 1980s. Renowned
for his creativity, skillful dribbling, and sharp tactical awareness, he
quickly became one of the most influential midfielders in the national team.
During his international career between 1980 and 1991,
Nwosu made about 60 appearances for Nigeria and scored eight goals. He featured
in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 1980, 1982, 1984,
and 1988 editions. While Nigeria lifted the trophy in 1980, the team also
finished as runners-up in 1984 and 1988.
Nwosu also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Olympic
Games, where he scored the country’s only goal of the tournament.
At club level, he enjoyed a successful career, playing
for notable Nigerian sides such as New Nigeria Bank FC of Benin City and
ACB Lagos, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Nigerian football.
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