Nigeria’s football community is mourning the death of former Nigeria national football team midfielder Henry Nwosu, who has died at the age of 62.

His death was confirmed on Saturday morning, March 14, by former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Segun Odegbami.

According to Odegbami, the former midfielder passed away in the early hours of Saturday at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after spending several days in intensive care.

Sharing the news, Odegbami expressed deep sadness over the loss of his former teammate and friend.

“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,” he 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 was fondly known by the nickname “Youngest Millionaire,” a title he earned after becoming the youngest member of the Nigerian squad that won the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. His contributions during that historic victory helped cement his place in Nigeria’s football history.

Born on June 14, 1963, in Imo State, Nwosu rose to prominence during what many consider the golden era of Nigerian football in the 1980s. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.

Known for his creativity, technical ability, and exceptional dribbling skills, Nwosu quickly became a key figure in the Super Eagles midfield. His vision and tactical intelligence allowed him to control the pace of matches and create scoring opportunities for teammates.

Between 1980 and 1991, Nwosu made around 60 appearances for the Nigerian national team and scored eight goals. During his international career, he represented the country in several major tournaments.

He featured in multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, including the 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1988 tournaments. While Nigeria won the title in 1980, the team also reached the final in both the 1984 and 1988 competitions, finishing as runners-up on those occasions.

Nwosu also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics, where he scored the country’s only goal during the tournament.

At club level, the midfielder enjoyed a successful career with several Nigerian teams. He played for notable clubs including New Nigeria Bank FC in Benin City and ACB Lagos.

Throughout his playing days, Nwosu was admired for his dedication to the game and his ability to influence matches from the midfield. His performances made him one of the standout players of his era and a respected figure in Nigerian football.

Following the news of his passing, tributes have begun pouring in from fans, former teammates, and members of the football community who remember him as both a talented footballer and an important part of Nigeria’s sporting history.

His legacy remains closely tied to Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory, a milestone that helped shape the future of football in the country.