Abuja/Lagos – Nigeria's football community is in deep mourning following the passing of legendary Super Eagles midfielder Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, a key member of the historic squad that clinched the nation's first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980. The former international died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the age of 62 after a brief illness.

Nwosu passed away at around 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been receiving intensive care for five days. His death comes just days after the loss of another football icon, former Super Eagles coach Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, adding to the sorrow in Nigerian sports circles.

President Bola Tinubu led tributes, extending heartfelt condolences to Nwosu's family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the broader football fraternity. In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Nwosu as a "legendary Super Eagles midfielder" whose brilliance shone brightly from a young age.

"President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family of Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62," the message read. It highlighted Nwosu's remarkable emergence as a 17-year-old in the then-Green Eagles team that triumphed at the 1980 AFCON on home soil, as well as his continued service to the national team in subsequent tournaments in 1982, 1984, and 1988. The President noted that Nwosu's contributions to sports development would endure, praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for his loved ones.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed profound grief, describing Nwosu as a "Nigerian football legend" whose enormous contributions would never be forgotten. The NFF announced the news on its official platforms, stating: "We are sad to announce the passing away of Nigeria legend and 1980 AFCON winner Henry Nwosu... May his soul rest in peace."

Similarly, the National Sports Commission (NSC) mourned the loss, calling Nwosu a "gifted legend" and the youngest member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON-winning squad. "The National Sports Commission mourns the passing of former Green Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu, MON," their statement said, extending sympathies to his family and praying for eternal rest.

Nwosu, fondly nicknamed the "Youngest Millionaire" by teammates for his youthful success after the 1980 triumph, was celebrated as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation. At just 17 or 18 (sources vary slightly on exact age at the time), he played a pivotal role in Nigeria's 3-0 final victory over Algeria at the National Stadium in Lagos, marking the country's maiden continental crown.

His international career spanned over a decade, including appearances at the 1980 Moscow Olympics (where he scored Nigeria's only goal) and AFCON editions that yielded silver medals in 1984 and 1988. Nwosu earned the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) honour for his services to the nation and later transitioned into coaching after retiring from playing in 1991.

The Super Eagles official account also paid tribute, commiserating with his family and recalling his place in the historic 1980 squad. Former teammate Segun Odegbami broke the news emotionally on social media, expressing deep pain over the loss of his "Youngest Millionaire."

As tributes continue to pour in, Nwosu's legacy as a trailblazer who inspired generations of Nigerian footballers remains etched in the annals of the sport. His passing underscores the fragility of life and the enduring impact of those who brought glory to the nation on the pitch.

May the soul of Henry Onyemanze Nwosu rest in perfect peace.