Former Super Eagles Star Henry Nwosu Passes Away At 62

According to Ireporter Online, news of the Imo State-born football icon’s passing was announced on Saturday by his former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami. Odegbami revealed that Nwosu died in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in intensive care at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

In a message confirming the development, Odegbami explained that the late footballer had been hospitalised for about five days while battling for his life before he eventually passed away around 4:00 a.m. He described the moment as deeply painful, noting that Nwosu had remained in intensive care since Wednesday before his condition deteriorated.

Nwosu was widely celebrated as a member of Nigeria’s historic squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations. At the time, the national team—then known as the Green Eagles—secured the country’s first continental title on home soil, with Nwosu standing out as the youngest player in the squad.

Throughout his playing career, the midfielder earned admiration for his creativity, vision, and technical skill in the middle of the park. His performances made him a respected figure in Nigerian football and cemented his legacy among the country’s notable football talents.

After retiring from active football, Nwosu continued to contribute to the sport by working as a coach and mentor, helping nurture younger players and supporting the development of domestic football.

His passing comes shortly after the Nigerian football community mourned another respected figure, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led the national team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and died on March 9 at the age of 88.

Both Nwosu and Onigbinde were prominent members of the Green Eagles set-up during the 1980s, with Onigbinde serving as head coach of the national team between 1982 and 1984. Nwosu’s death has therefore deepened the sense of loss within Nigeria’s football fraternity.