By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
The Nigerian football fraternity has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of former Nigeria national football team midfielder Henry Nwosu, who died at the age of 62.
News of his death emerged on Saturday, March 14, after it was confirmed by former teammate and Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami, a member of the historic team that secured Nigeria’s first continental title.
According to Odegbami, Nwosu passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after spending several days receiving intensive medical care.
In a heartfelt message, Odegbami expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the former midfield maestro, revealing that Nwosu had been fighting for his life in the hospital before his passing.
Nwosu, who was affectionately known as “Youngest Millionaire,” earned the nickname after becoming the youngest member of the Nigerian squad that lifted the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations 1980 trophy.
Born on June 14, 1963, in Imo State, he rose to national prominence during the golden generation of Nigerian football in the 1980s. Renowned for his creativity in midfield, close ball control, and sharp tactical awareness, Nwosu became one of the most influential players of his era.
During his international career, he made roughly 60 appearances for Nigeria between 1980 and 1991, scoring eight goals and representing the country in several editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. He played in the 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1988 tournaments, helping Nigeria secure the title in 1980 while finishing as runners-up in both 1984 and 1988.
He also featured for Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics, where he scored the country’s only goal during the tournament.
At club level, Nwosu enjoyed a successful domestic career, representing teams such as New Nigeria Bank FC and ACB Lagos FC.
His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, with many fans, former players, and sports administrators paying tribute to a man widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders to have represented the country.
