Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has expressed mourned the passing of former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, describing him as an exceptionally skilled player during his time with the team.
Tinubu, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, extended his condolences to the family of the footballer who died on Saturday at the age of 62.
Onanuga stated that the president joined the Nigerian football community in mourning the late football legend.
“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.
It further recalled Nwosu’s early brilliance in the national team, particularly his “brilliance on the field of play as a 17-year-old in the then-Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The statement also acknowledged the late midfielder’s long service to the national team and his contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.
“He served the nation for over a decade as a member of the national team, featuring in subsequent AFCON tournaments in 1982, 1984, and 1988, and contributing to sports development in the country
“Nigerians will always remember the late playmaker for the pride and joy he brought to the nation and for inspiring many compatriots to greater accomplishments,” the statement said.
Tinubu concluded by praying for the repose of the late footballer’s soul and comfort for his family.
Nwosu’s death was announced on Saturday by his former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, who disclosed that the ex-international died at about 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, after spending five days in intensive care.
