Nigeria’s football community has been plunged into mourning following the death of Charles Bassey, a legendary member of the historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning squad. Bassey passed away on Saturday at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep sorrow over Bassey’s passing, describing it as a double tragedy, as it came just hours after the death of Christian Chukwu, the iconic captain of the same Green Eagles team, who died in Enugu.
“This has been a day of double tragedy,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, in a statement released Monday. “We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier today, and now we are mourning Charles Bassey. The entire Nigerian football family is devastated. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
Charles Bassey was one of the 22 players who made history on March 22, 1980, when Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, to lift the country’s first-ever AFCON trophy. His name remains etched in the hearts of fans who witnessed Nigeria’s rise to continental glory.
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After hanging up his boots, Bassey dedicated his life to developing football in Nigeria. He went on to coach and manage several top clubs across the country, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus (his hometown team), BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
His death marks the ninth from the 1980 Green Eagles squad, joining the likes of goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and fellow striker Martins Eyo.
As tributes pour in from across the nation, Nigerians are once again reminded of the legacy left by the heroes of 1980—a golden generation that brought pride to the country and inspired generations of footballers.
