Charles Bassey, a member of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, has passed away after a prolonged battle with ill health.
Bassey’s death was confirmed by the Nigerian Football Federation, just hours after the passing of fellow 1980 AFCON winner Christian Chukwu.
Bassey, who had suffered a nerve root compression in his spinal cord following a car accident in 1986, had made a public plea for financial support and later received funding for spinal cord surgery from the Femi Otedola Foundation.
He went on to manage several football clubs in Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Bassey’s death brings to nine the number of members from the 1980 AFCON-winning team who have passed away.
