Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of former Nigeria national football team midfielder Henry Nwosu, with Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joining the football community in honouring the late playmaker.
Nwosu, remembered for his creativity and influence in Nigerian football, died at the age of 62. His passing has been described as a significant loss to the sport in the country.
In a message released through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sympathy to the family of the former midfielder while recognising the impact he made during his playing career.
“President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family of Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, a legendary Super Eagles midfielder who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62,” the statement read.
The president also reflected on the footballer’s early rise in the national team, highlighting his role as a teenager in the squad then known as the Green Eagles that lifted the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
According to the statement, Nwosu’s “brilliance on the field of play as a 17-year-old” during the tournament remains one of the memorable moments in Nigeria’s football history.
Beyond that historic success, the midfielder continued to serve the national team for more than a decade. During his time with Nigeria, he also featured in the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, and 1988 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tinubu noted that the former playmaker would be remembered by Nigerians for the pride he brought to the country and for inspiring many others through his achievements in the game.
News of Nwosu’s passing was earlier confirmed by his former teammate Segun Odegbami, who revealed that the ex-international died around 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after spending five days in intensive care.
The president concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the late footballer’s soul while asking that comfort be granted to his family during this difficult period.
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