Tinubu, NFF pay tribute to 1980 AFCON icon Henry Nwosu

President Bola Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to former Nigerian international Henry Nwosu, who died in a hospital in Lagos in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 62.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the Nigerian football community in mourning the late football legend, describing him as an exceptionally skilled player whose artistry on the pitch left a lasting impact on the game.

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“President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family of Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, a legendary Super Eagles midfielder who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62,” the statement reads.

“He served the nation for over a decade as a member of the national team, featuring in subsequent AFCON tournaments in 1982, 1984 and 1988, and contributing to sports development in the country.

“Nigerians will always remember the late playmaker for the pride and joy he brought to the nation and for inspiring many compatriots to greater accomplishments,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also paid tribute to the former Nigerian international, describing his death as a painful loss.

Nwosu, one of Nigeria’s finest midfielders, was a key member of the Nigeria national football team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and is widely regarded as a legend of the game.

He was the youngest member of the AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad at just 17 and later featured in the finals of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations and 1988 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, the federation said Nwosu’s death came only days after the passing of former NFF technical director and two-time Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde.

“This is another very sad news, even as we are still mourning the demise of Chief Onigbinde. Nigerian football can never forget the enormous contributions of Henry Nwosu, both as a player and a coach. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give the family, friends and associates he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss,” Sanusi said.

Nwosu’s death brings to nine the number of players from Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad who have passed away, including Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Tunde Bamidele, Okey Isima, Christian Chukwu, Mudashiru Lawal, Aloysius Atuegbu and Martins Eyo.