Nigerians, Sanwo-Olu mourn, as ace footballer Nwosu, dies

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Nigerians and the Nigerian football family are mourning the demise of ace footballer, Henry Nwosu, who died on Saturday.

Report said the football family mourns Nwosu’s loss, describing him as a great player “who battled for his life for five days in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.”

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also mourned his demise alongside other Nigerians.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu extended heartfelt condolences to the Nwosu family, the Imo State government, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“The death of Henry Nwosu is a painful loss to the country, particularly football lovers, because we lost a patriot, legend and national icon.

“He made Nigeria proud by winning the African Nations Cup in 1980 for the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor recalled Nwosu’s pivotal role in the Green Eagles’ historic triumph on home soil, a victory that remains etched in the annals of Nigerian sports history as the nation’s first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship.

“Henry Nwosu served the nation passionately and made the country proud by working tirelessly with other members of the Green Eagles to secure Nigeria’s first continental title on home soil,” the governor added.

Sanwo-Olu lauded the late midfielder’s exceptional talent, describing him as a creative and technically gifted player who left an indelible mark on both the national team and domestic football.

“He was the youngest member of the 1980 AFCON squad, who was widely celebrated for his role in Nigeria’s triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations. He was a talented midfielder known for his creativity and technical ability,” he said.

Beyond his playing days, the governor noted, Nwosu’s continued passion for the game and his positive impact as a coach and prominent figure in Nigerian football.

“Henry Nwosu is passionate about sports, particularly football. He made positive impacts while playing for the national team and later became a prominent figure in Nigerian domestic football,” Sanwo-Olu stated

Nwosu passed on Saturday.

The news of his death came with great sadness from a close associate.

Nwosu, MON, will be remembered for his immense contributions to Nigerian football.