Nigeria legend Henry Nwosu dies at 62

Former Nigeria international Henry Nwosu has died at the age of 62, early Saturday morning.

The news was confirmed by his former teammate, Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami, who shared the announcement across his media channels.

Nwosu passed away around 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving intensive care since Wednesday.

“Henry Nwosu passes on! After five 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,” Odegbami wrote.

“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, born in Imo State, earned recognition as a gifted midfielder, celebrated for his vision, creativity, and technical ability. He was the youngest member of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, helping the Green Eagles claim the nation’s first continental title on home soil.

His performances during the tournament and in subsequent international matches marked him as one of the standout midfielders of his era.

In addition to his international exploits, Nwosu made a lasting impact on Nigerian domestic football, admired for his intelligence on the ball and leadership qualities.

Following his retirement, he continued to shape the game as a coach and mentor, focusing on nurturing young talent and supporting grassroots development.

He joins a list of former teammates who have passed, including goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.