President Bola Tinubu has formally mourned the passing of Nigerian football icon Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, who died on March 14, 2026, at the age of 62, triggering widespread grief across the national sports community.

In an official statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr. Tinubu described Nwosu as one of the most gifted playmakers in the history of Nigerian football, whose performances for the Super Eagles left an enduring mark on the nation’s sporting legacy.

“President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Henry Onsmanze Nwosu … a legendary midfielder whose brilliance on the pitch brought pride and joy to Nigeria,” the statement read.

The former international’s death was first confirmed by his longtime teammate Segun Odegbami, who announced that Nwosu passed away at about 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja after spending several days in intensive care.
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Nwosu’s football journey began in his teens, quickly rising to prominence as a central figure in what many consider the golden generation of Nigerian football. Born on 14 June 1963, he became the youngest member of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations–winning squad in 1980, and went on to feature for the national team for over a decade.

His international career spanned 60 caps and eight goals for the Super Eagles, with appearances in successive African Cup of Nations tournaments in 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1988.

Beyond his playing years, Nwosu also served Nigerian football as a coach and assistant, including roles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 Olympics, where Nigeria’s team won silver.

In his tribute, President Tinubu highlighted how Nwosu’s skill and leadership helped shape Nigeria’s football identity, inspiring generations of players and fans. He also offered prayers for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and comfort for his family.

Sports federations, former teammates, and football lovers have since joined in mourning, marking the passing of a figure whose influence stretched far beyond his peak years on the pitch.