Lagos, March 14, 2026 (NAN) Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed that deceased Super Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu, was a patriot who served his fatherland passionately.
He described the death of former Green Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu, as a great loss to the country.
Sanwo-Olu said the passing of the former international was painful for football lovers nationwide, noting that Nwosu was a patriot, legend and national icon.
He said the late midfielder made remarkable contributions to Nigerian football and remained one of the country’s most respected football figures.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor extended heartfelt condolences to the Nwosu family.
He also sympathised with the Imo government and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the football icon’s death at 62.
Sanwo-Olu said Nwosu’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of Nigerian footballers and sports enthusiasts across the country.
“The death of Henry Nwosu is a painful loss to the country, particularly football lovers, because we lost a patriot, legend and national icon.
“He made Nigeria proud by winning the African Nations Cup in 1980 for the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said Nwosu served the nation passionately and played a significant role in Nigeria’s first continental triumph at the 1980 African Cup of Nations.
He noted that the historic victory marked a turning point for Nigerian football and strengthened the country’s reputation on the African continent.
According to him, the late midfielder worked tirelessly with other members of the Green Eagles squad to achieve the historic 1980 AFCON victory.
He said the team’s determination, discipline and unity helped secure Nigeria’s first continental football title on home soil.
“Henry Nwosu served the nation passionately and made the country proud by working tirelessly with teammates to secure Nigeria’s first continental title on home soil.
“He was the youngest member of the 1980 AFCON squad and was widely celebrated for his role in Nigeria’s triumph.
“He was a talented midfielder known for his creativity, technical ability and strong presence in the centre of the pitch,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described the late football star as a passionate sportsman who made positive impacts both with the national team and in domestic football.
He said Nwosu remained committed to the development of football and continued to contribute to the sport even after his active playing career.
“Henry Nwosu was passionate about sports, particularly football. He made positive impacts with the national team and later became prominent in domestic football.
“He also served as an inspiration to many young footballers who looked up to him for guidance and motivation. Henry Nwosu will be sorely missed.
“I pray for eternal peace for the deceased and for God to grant his family, friends, the Imo State Government and football fans the fortitude to bear the loss,” the governor said.
