Tributes pour in as Nigeria remembers one of the heroes of its historic 1980 AFCON victory.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the death of former Green Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu as a painful loss to Nigeria and football lovers across the country.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said Nwosu was a patriot, legend and national icon who made remarkable contributions to Nigerian football.
Sanwo-Olu extended condolences to the Nwosu family, the government of Imo State and the Nigeria Football Federation over the passing of the football great at 62.
The governor recalled Nwosu’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 1980 African Cup of Nations — the country’s first continental title, won on home soil.
According to him, the late midfielder worked tirelessly alongside teammates to secure the memorable victory that changed the trajectory of Nigerian football and boosted the country’s reputation across Africa.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Nwosu, the youngest member of the 1980 squad, was widely admired for his creativity, technical brilliance and commanding presence in midfield.
Beyond his playing days, the governor said the football icon remained committed to the growth and development of the sport, inspiring many young Nigerian footballers.
“Henry Nwosu served the nation passionately and made Nigeria proud. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of footballers,” Sanwo-Olu said, praying for strength for his family and the football community to bear the loss.
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