The Imo state government has promised to arrange a “state burial” for Henry Nwosu, a former Nigerian international footballer and member of the 1980 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team.
Nwosu died on March 14 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after a brief illness. He was 62 years old.
A few days after his death, Nwosu’s body was transported to Owerri, Imo capital where he hailed from.
Imo’s commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, said the state’s government has been liaising with Nwosu’s family since his demise with a view to accord the national hero his due.
He added that Hope Uzodimma, Imo governor, is also fully involved in the burial plans.
“Henry is our own, and he did Imo state proud during his active days. He is also on record as the youngest player to ever play for the senior national team when he won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 at only 16 years old,” the commissioner said.
RELATED POST: Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu dies at 62
“I have hosted his family in my office, and we are working together towards giving him a state burial. His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, is also fully involved in the burial programme.”
Nwosu was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential midfielders during the 1980s and early 1990s, earning 60 appearances for the men’s senior national team.
He was a member of the historic squad that won Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title in 1980.
At the club level, Nwosu featured for several Nigerian teams, including New Nigeria Bank F.C. and Stationery Stores F.C.
Internationally, he represented Nigeria in multiple tournaments and was also part of the squad at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
