Henry Nwosu
From our Sports desk, Benin
Former mid field dynamo of the defunct New Nigeria Bank football Club of Benin, and the Green Eagles of Nigeria now Super Eagles, Henry Nwosu has reportedly joined his ancestors.
Nwosu 62 was said to had breathed his last at about 4:00 am on Saturday, 14 March, 2026 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.
His former teammate, Segun Odegbami broke the news of his departure on Saturday, via a Facebook post, it was said.
Odegbami was quoted to have written: “Nwosu passed away at 4:00 am on Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday “battling for his life”.
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Reports say; writing via his verified handle, Odegbami stated: “Henry Nwosu passes on! After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call the ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed away this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu, MON. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”
He was widely celebrated for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the tournament, where the national team, then known as the ‘Green Eagles’ secured their first continental title on home soil.
NFF mourns, say we ‘II never forget you Henry Nwosu
In a swift reaction, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday expressed sadness saying the death was a painful loss.
The General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi on behalf of the Federation described Nwosu’s death as a painful loss to the nation’s football family.
The news came just days after the death of former NFF Technical Director and ex-national team coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, the secretary was quoted to have lamented.
“This is another very sad news while we are still mourning Chief Onigbinde.
“Nigeria football will never forget Henry Nwosu’s immense contributions as a player and coach.”
Sanusi prayed for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and for God to give strength to his family, friends and associates to bear the loss.
Sanusi was said to have described the late midfielder as a key figure in Nigeria’s football history.
Going memory lane; on April 25, 1981, Nwosu scored one of Nigeria’s memorable goals during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Guinea.
His late strike secured Nigeria’s progression to the final qualifying round against Algeria.
Nwosu also helped the Eagles reach the AFCON finals in 1984 and 1988 against Cameroon.
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However, the team lost 3–1 in Abidjan in 1984 and narrowly in Casablanca in 1988.
In the 1988 final, Nwosu’s first-half header was controversially ruled out by Mauritanian referee, Idrissa Sarr.
The decision denied Nigeria what many believed was a legitimate goal.
Nwosu makes it the ninth member of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad that have departed.
They include Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Tunde Bamidele, Okey Isima, Christian Chukwu, Mudashiru Lawal, Aloysius Atuegbu and Martins Eyo.
At club level, Nwosu played for the New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin and ACB FC of Lagos.
He later had a stint in Côte d’Ivoire, thrilling fans with his dribbling, creativity and vision.
After retiring from active football, Nwosu ventured into coaching.
He worked with several domestic clubs, contributing to grassroots football development.
Nwosu was regarded as one of the finest left-sided midfielders of his era.
He was also the youngest member of the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 AFCON title at 17, and later featured in the 1984 and 1988 finals.
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