Henry Nwosu, Nigeria's 'Youngest Millionaire', Passes On

Legendary footballer Henry Nwosu, who became the youngest player in the Nigerian national team to be worth a million Naira in 1980, has passed away after a long battle with heart disease. He earned the nickname 'Youngest Millionaire' as a result of this achievement.

'He was so good as a midfielder that he could have played for any team in the world,'

  • Segun Odegbami.

Henry's football career spanned over two decades, with remarkable contributions to Nigeria's performances at the 1984 and 1988 AFCONS. He was a natural leader on the field, known for his powerful shots, and great passing skills with both feet. Additionally, his incredible 'bicycle' kicks became a legendary part of his game.

After retiring from football in the early 1990s, Henry went on to become a coach, but his success in that role was not as notable as his playing days.

A Football Phenomenon in Nigeria

Henry's football talent was evident from a young age. He was the captain of Nigeria's Flying Eagles team and was well-established as a midfield player when he joined the national team on the eve of the 1980 AFCON. His exceptional performance earned him a spot in the Green Eagles, where he formed a formidable partnership with other established players, including Muda Lawal, Aloysius Atuegbu, and Shafiu Mohammed.

Nigerian Football's Loss

Henry's passing has left a void in the Nigerian football community. He was a key figure in the sport, and his contributions will not be forgotten. As Segun Odegbami noted, 'He was so good as a midfielder that he could have played for any team in the world.'

A Befitting Burial for a Football Legend

In a passionate appeal, football legend Segun Odegbami has called on well-meaning Nigerians, including the governors of Lagos and Imo states, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and the President of the Nigerian Institute of Football Federation, to support the organisation of a befitting burial for Henry Nwosu, MON.

Key Facts

  • Henry Nwosu passed away on March 14, 2026, after struggling with heart disease for some time.
  • He earned the nickname 'Youngest Millionaire' in 1980 after becoming the youngest player in the Nigerian national team to be worth a million Naira.
  • Henry's football career spanned over two decades, with remarkable contributions to Nigeria's performances at the 1984 and 1988 AFCONS.
  • He was a natural leader on the field, known for his powerful shots, great passing skills with both feet, and his incredible 'bicycle' kicks.
  • Henry's passing has left a large void in the Nigerian football community, and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.