Former Nigerian international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations hero Henry Nwosu has passed away at the age of 62.
The news was confirmed on Saturday by his former teammate, Segun Odegbami, also a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad. Odegbami shared that Nwosu, affectionately known as the “Youngest Millionaire,” died at 4:00 a.m. at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday.
“After five days in hospital battling for his life, Henry Nwosu passed on,” Odegbami wrote. “It is with deep pain in my heart that I share this news. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”
Nwosu, the youngest member of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON squad, played a pivotal role in the Green Eagles’ first continental triumph on home soil. Known for his vision, creativity, and technical skills in midfield, he left a lasting legacy in Nigerian football.
After retiring from professional football, Nwosu remained active in the sport as a coach and mentor, helping to nurture the next generation of players.
His death comes just days after the passing of another Nigerian football icon, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led the team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea and died on March 9 at the age of 88.
Both Nwosu and Onigbinde were central figures in Nigeria’s football scene during the 1980s, and their passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues across the country.
Nwosu’s contribution to Nigerian football, particularly his role in the historic 1980 AFCON victory, ensures that his legacy will be remembered for generations.