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.
Newsonspot reports that the sad news was confirmed on Saturday morning by his former teammate and fellow Africa Cup of Nations 1980 winner, Segun Odegbami. According to Odegbami, Nwosu died in the early hours of the day after spending several days in hospital battling for his life.
Odegbami disclosed that the football legend passed away around 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving intensive care since Wednesday.
In an emotional message announcing the loss, Odegbami described Nwosu – fondly called “Youngest Millionaire” – as a remarkable footballer whose contributions to Nigerian football will always be remembered.
Henry Nwosu made history as the youngest member of Nigeria’s national team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, a landmark victory that earned Nigeria its first-ever continental football title on home soil.
During his playing career, Nwosu gained widespread admiration for his creativity, vision, and technical brilliance in midfield, becoming one of the most respected players of his generation.
After retiring from professional football, he continued to serve the game as a coach and mentor, dedicating years to nurturing young talents and supporting the development of football in Nigeria.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as fans, former teammates, and the wider sports community reflect on the legacy of a player who played a key role in one of the country’s most historic sporting achievements.
