Henry Nwosu, Ex Super Eagles Star And Youngest Member of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON Squad Dead

Former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu has died after a prolonged illness.

Nwosu, who had reportedly been bedridden in recent months, passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.

His death was confirmed by Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami, who shared the news in an emotional statement.

“After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 am this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in Intensive Care since Wednesday,” Odegbami said.

“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, the youngest of the victorious 1980 AFCON squad. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”

Nwosu was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s football greats and was the youngest member of the national team that won the 1980 African Cup of Nations on home soil.

During his playing career, he represented several clubs across Nigeria and West Africa and later served as captain of the national team.

In recent months, concerns over his deteriorating health had drawn public attention after appeals by former international Bestman Jumbo and Odegbami highlighted his medical condition.

Following the appeals, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stepped in to support the former football star, covering his medical expenses and providing accommodation in Lagos.

Tributes are expected from across Nigeria’s football community as fans, former teammates and officials mourn the passing of one of the country’s celebrated football icons.

Further details about burial arrangements are yet to be announced.