The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was thrown into mourning on Saturday following the death of 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Henry Nwosu.
The former midfield maestro reportedly died in a Lagos hospital early Saturday morning at the age of 62.
Nwosu was regarded as one of the finest left-sided midfielders of his era.
He was 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.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, described Nwosu’s death as a painful loss to the nation’s football family.
He said the news came just days after the death of former NFF Technical Director and ex-national team coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.
“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 said.
Sanusi prayed for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and for strength for his family, friends and associates to bear the loss.
He described the late midfielder as a key figure in Nigeria’s football history.
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.
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.
With his passing, nine members of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad have now died.
They include Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Tunde Bamidele, Okey Isima, Christian Chukwu, Mudashiru Lawal, Aloysius Atuegbu and Martins Eyo.
