By Ayomide Otitoju
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Green Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said Nwosu’s death at the age of 62 had deprived the country of a football legend and patriot.
Sanwo-Olu also extended his condolences to the Nwosu family, the Imo State Government and the Nigerian Football Federation over the loss.
“The death of Henry Nwosu is a painful loss to the country, particularly football lovers, because we lost a patriot, legend and national icon,” the governor said. “He made Nigeria proud by helping the nation win the African Nations Cup in 1980.”
Nwosu was the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 African Cup of Nations, where the Green Eagles secured the country’s first continental title on home soil.
Sanwo-Olu described the former midfielder as a talented and creative player who made lasting contributions to Nigerian football during his playing career and later became a prominent figure in the domestic game.
“Henry Nwosu would be sorely missed,” the governor added, praying for the repose of the late footballer’s soul and strength for his family, the Imo State Government and football fans to bear the loss.
