Henry Nwosu
Iyunade Grace
Henry Nwosu, a legendary Nigerian footballer and key player in the country’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team, has passed away at 62. He died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) around 4:00 a.m. on March 14, 2026, after battling an illness for several days.
Nwosu, nicknamed “Youngest Millionaire,” was the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 AFCON, where the country won its first continental title on home soil. He was just 17 years old at the time and played a crucial role in the team’s success.
The former Super Eagles midfielder had an illustrious career, earning 58 caps and scoring 8 goals for Nigeria between 1980 and 1991. He represented the country at multiple AFCON tournaments, including 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1988, and also played at the 1980 and 1988 Summer Olympics.
Nwosu’s club career spanned several Nigerian teams, including New Nigeria Bank FC, Stationery Stores FC, and ACB Lagos FC. He also had stints abroad with ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast and RC Bafoussam in Cameroon.
After retiring from active football, Nwosu transitioned into coaching and player development. He served as an assistant coach with Nigeria’s national teams, including the U23 team that won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Nwosu’s health had been a concern in recent years, with him battling an enlarged heart and other related issues. Despite his passing, his legacy lives on, and he remains a celebrated figure in Nigerian football history.
Tributes have poured in from former teammates, football administrators, and fans, remembering Nwosu’s exceptional skills, creativity, and contributions to Nigerian football.
Nwosu’s death comes just five days after the passing of former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, marking a sad week for Nigerian football.
