Odita Sunday 
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Green Eagles midfielder and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Henry Nwosu.
Nwosu reportedly died in a Lagos hospital on Saturday at the age of 62.
The former midfielder was one of the youngest members of the team that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, joining the squad at the age of 17.
He later featured in the final matches of the 1984 and 1988 AFCON tournaments with the national team.
Reacting to the development, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed Sanusi, described Nwosu’s death as a painful loss to Nigerian football.
“This is another very sad news, even as we are still mourning the demise of Chief Onigbinde. Nigeria football can never forget the enormous contributions of Henry Nwosu both as a player and a coach,” Sanusi said.
He added that the federation prayed for God to grant the late football legend eternal rest and comfort for the family he left behind.
Nwosu produced several memorable moments during his playing career, including a spectacular goal against Guinea national football team during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on April 25, 1981, which helped Nigeria progress to the final round against Algeria national football team.
The midfielder also played key roles in Nigeria’s runs to the finals of the 1984 AFCON in Abidjan and the 1988 tournament in Casablanca, both against Cameroon national football team.
With his passing, the number of players from the historic 1980 AFCON-winning team who have died has now risen to nine.
At club level, Nwosu played for New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin and ACB FC of Lagos before later playing professionally in Côte d’Ivoire.
After retiring from active football, he went into coaching and worked with several domestic clubs.
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