The news of his passing was confirmed by former international teammate Segun Odegbami, who shared the sad development on Facebook. According to Odegbami, Nwosu had been in intensive care since Wednesday and died at 4:00 a.m. He fondly referred to Nwosu as the “Youngest Millionaire” in his tribute, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
“After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 am this morning at LASUTH, Ikeja, where he had been in Intensive Care since Wednesday. It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu MON. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven,” Odegbami wrote.
Renowned as one of Nigeria’s most influential midfielders during the 1980s and early 1990s, Nwosu earned 60 caps for the Super Eagles. He played a central role in Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON triumph in 1980, marking a milestone in the nation’s football history. His international career also included appearances at the 1988 Summer Olympics, multiple AFCON tournaments in 1982, 1984, and 1988, and he scored Nigeria’s only goal at the 1980 Olympics.
At club level, Nwosu had notable stints with New Nigeria Bank F.C. and Stationery Stores F.C., where he made significant contributions to domestic competitions. His talents also took him abroad, featuring for ASEC Mimosas FC in Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon, broadening his impact on African football.
Following his playing career, Nwosu transitioned into coaching, maintaining his influence on Nigerian football. He was part of the coaching team for the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup under Shuaibu Onigbinde and served as assistant to Samson Siasia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Nigeria secured a silver medal. He also led various domestic clubs, including Union Bank F.C. and Gateway United F.C., and briefly coached the Nigerian U-17 team in 2008–2009.
Nwosu’s death marks the passing of one of Nigeria’s football icons, remembered not only for his skill on the pitch but also for his contributions to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian football talent.