President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the death of former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu, saying he was one of the most gifted players to represent Nigeria.
Mr Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, died on Saturday at the age of 62.
The president’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu said Nwosu played an important role in Nigeria’s football history.
He recalled that the midfielder was part of the national team that won the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.
“He was one of the most gifted players to have worn Nigeria’s national colours,” the president said.
Tinubu also noted that Nwosu represented Nigeria in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 1982, 1984 and 1988 editions.
He said the former midfielder also contributed to football after his playing career and inspired younger players.
The president prayed for the repose of his soul and asked God to comfort his family and members of the football community.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Premier Football League has directed clubs to observe a minute’s silence in honour of Nwosu before matches on Matchday 30.
NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye announced the directive in a statement on Saturday.
He said the tribute would be observed before kick-off in all league matches this weekend.
Nwosu was the youngest member of the national team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos.
His death was earlier confirmed by former teammate Segun Odegbami, who said the former midfielder died after spending five days in hospital.
According to Odegbami, Nwosu died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after several days in intensive care.
At club level, Nwosu played for New Nigeria Bank FC and African Continental Bank FC in Nigeria. He also played for ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon.
After retiring from football, he worked as a coach and remained involved in the development of the sport in Nigeria.
