The National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation have expressed grief over the death of former Green Eagles midfielder and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Henry Nwosu, who died on Saturday at the age of 62. In a statement shared on its official X handle on Saturday, the National Sports Commission described Nwosu as a gifted footballer whose contributions to Nigerian football would remain unforgettable. “The National Sports Commission mourns the passing of former Green Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu, MON, the youngest member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON-winning squad,” the statement read. The commission noted that Nwosu’s football career spanned over a decade with the national team, during which he played key roles in several continental competitions. “A gifted midfielder who represented Nigeria for over a decade, Nwosu was part of the team that delivered the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later featured in multiple continental tournaments,” the commission added. It further stated that the Chairman of the commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and the entire staff of the commission extended their condolences to the late footballer’s family and the Nigerian football community. “The Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the entire staff of the Commission extend heartfelt condolences to his family and the Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement said. Similarly, the Nigeria Football Federation also mourned the late midfielder, describing him as a Nigerian football legend. “We are sad to announce the passing away of Nigeria legend and 1980 AFCON winner Henry Nwosu. He passed away on Saturday after a brief illness at 62 years old. May his soul rest in peace,” the federation wrote on its official X platform. PUNCH Online reports that Nwosu’s death was earlier announced by his former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, who disclosed that the former international died at about 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, after spending five days in intensive care. The Imo State-born midfielder was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most talented footballers of the 1980s and was the youngest member of the Green Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in 1980. Known for his vision, creativity and technical ability, Nwosu went on to represent Nigeria for more than a decade, featuring in subsequent AFCON tournaments including the 1982, 1984 and 1988 editions. Following his retirement from active football, he remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor, contributing to the development of younger players and Nigerian football.