Former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu has died at the age of 62 after a brief illness.
News of his passing was announced on Saturday by former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Segun Odegbami, who shared the development on his media platforms. According to Odegbami, Nwosu died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.
Odegbami revealed that the former midfielder had spent five days in hospital battling for his life before he eventually passed away at about 4:00 a.m. He expressed deep sadness while announcing the death of the football legend, fondly referred to as “Youngest Millionaire.”
Born in Imo State, Nwosu rose to national prominence as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation. He became widely known after being included in Nigeria’s squad for the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was the youngest member of the team. The tournament marked a historic moment for Nigerian football, as the then Green Eagles claimed their first-ever continental title on home soil.
Throughout his playing career, Nwosu earned admiration for his exceptional vision, creativity and technical ability in midfield. His influence in domestic football also made him one of the respected figures in the Nigerian game during his active years.
After retiring from professional football, Nwosu remained closely involved in the sport. He transitioned into coaching and mentorship roles, contributing to the development of younger players and sharing his experience with emerging talents across the country.
His death comes only days after Nigerian football mourned the loss of another prominent figure, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on March 9 at the age of 88. Onigbinde, who later guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, was also associated with the Green Eagles during the early 1980s.
Nwosu’s passing marks another painful moment for Nigerian football, as tributes continue to pour in for the former international whose contributions to the game remain widely remembered.
