The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed that a minute’s silence be observed before all Matchday 30 fixtures this weekend to honour former Green Eagles captain Henry Nwosu, who passed away at the age of 62.
In a statement on Saturday, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye confirmed the tribute, saying it will take place across all matches to recognise Nwosu’s immense contribution to Nigerian football. Elegbeleye described his passing as both a personal loss and a painful moment for the country’s club football community.
Nwosu, the youngest member of Nigeria’s squad that won the 1980 African Cup of Nations, died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He had reportedly spent several days in intensive care before his death.
Elegbeleye recalled his long-standing personal and professional relationship with Nwosu, noting that the former midfielder had supported him during key moments of his career, including his nomination for the Pitch Football Awards.
Reflecting on Nwosu’s legacy, the NPFL chairman said the football community had lost a major figure. “The late Henry Nwosu distinguished himself not only as a player at club and national level but also later contributed to the development of the domestic game as a coach,” Elegbeleye said. He added that Nwosu’s death was “the loss of a true ambassador of domestic and national team football.”
Earlier confirmation of Nwosu’s death came from former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami, who said the midfielder passed away at around 4 a.m. on Saturday after five days in hospital. “May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven,” Odegbami said, referring to Nwosu as “Youngest Millionaire.”
At club level, Nwosu spent much of his career in Nigeria, starring for New Nigeria Bank FC and African Continental Bank FC during a period when both were dominant forces in domestic football. His stellar performances later earned him stints abroad with ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon.
Elegbeleye prayed for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and urged strength for his family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
The NPFL’s minute of silence will take place before all matches this weekend as a mark of respect for the legendary midfielder’s contribution to Nigerian football.
