Former Nigerian international and a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations–winning team, Henry Nwosu, has passed away.
According to a post by another Ex-international Segun Odegbami, Nwosu died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos, after spending five days in intensive care.
In the message announcing the death, Odegbami wrote: Henry Nwosu passes on!
After 5 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.
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.
May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven.”
Nwosu earned the nickname of ‘young millionaire’ after becoming the youngest player in the Nigerian squad that won the country’s first continental title at the 1980 African Cup of Nations.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most technically gifted midfielders, Nwosu was known for his creativity, dribbling skills and ability to score with both feet.
He made about 60 appearances for the Nigerian national team, scoring eight goals between 1980 and 1991. During his international career, he helped Nigeria win the AFCON title in 1980 and also finished as runner-up at the 1984 and 1988 editions of the tournament.
At club level, Nwosu played for several prominent teams including New Nigeria Bank FC and ACB Lagos FC. He also had spells abroad with ASEC Mimosas and Racing FC Bafoussam.
After retiring from professional football, Nwosu moved into coaching and development roles. He served as an assistant coach with the Nigerian national team and also handled the country’s U-17 side between 2008 and 2009.
At club level, he coached teams such as Union Bank FC and Gateway United FC.
Health Challenges
In recent years, the former midfielder battled health issues, including a stroke in 2022, which prompted public appeals and support from the football community and government.
His death marks the passing of one of the heroes of Nigeria’s golden football era and a key figure in the country’s first continental triumph.
