The Super Eagles have paid tribute to former midfielder Henry Nwosu following news of his passing on Saturday, March 14, describing him as a member of the squad that secured Nigeria’s first continental title.

In a message published on their official social media platforms, the Super Eagles commiserated with the family of the former international and acknowledged his role in the country’s football history.

The tribute read: “We commiserate with the family of Henry Nwosu on his passing. A member of Nigeria’s historic squad that won the 1980 African Cup of Nations. Rest in peace.”

Nwosu’s death comes days after Nigerian football lost another iconic figure.

Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, died on March 9 at the age of 88.

Nwosu was part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 1980 African Cup of Nations, the tournament that delivered the country’s first continental title. He was the youngest member of the team during the competition.

The midfielder went on to represent Nigeria for more than a decade. He earned around 60 international caps between 1980 and 1991 and scored eight goals for the national team during that period.

Nwosu also represented Nigeria at the Olympic Games and featured in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 1984 and 1988 editions where Nigeria finished as runners-up.

At club level, Nwosu played for several teams in Nigeria and abroad. His career included spells with New Nigeria Bank of Benin, African Continental Bank of Lagos, ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon.

Following the end of his playing career, Nwosu moved into coaching. He served in different roles within Nigerian football, including as an assistant coach with national teams.

He was part of the coaching setup for Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and also worked with the national team at the 2008 Olympic Games, where Nigeria won a silver medal.

Wale Adejumo