Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the family of former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu joined the Nigerian football community in mourning the late football legend, describing him as an exceptionally skilled player whose talent on the pitch left a lasting legacy.
“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 statement recalled Nwosu’s early brilliance with 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.”
It also highlighted the late midfielder’s long service to the national team and his contributions to football development 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 Nwosu’s soul and comfort for his family.
PUNCH Online reports that Nwosu’s death was announced by his former teammate and fellow 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, 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.