Family seeks NSC, NFF support for Nwosu’s burial News

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Family seeks NSC, NFF support for Nwosu’s burial

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 25, 2026

The family of the late Henry Nwosu has commenced arrangements for the burial of the former Nigeria player, who died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the age of 62, following a prolonged illness, The PUNCH reports.

During a visit to the family’s residence in Lagos, the widow of the ex-international, Victoria Nwosu, and his younger sister, Agatha Nwosu, told The PUNCH that efforts were underway to organise a befitting burial for the former midfield maestro, while they seek the attention of the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation in organising the event.

The Owerri-based retired headmistress also disclosed that some notable figures, including two former Nigeria internationals based in Owerri, had reached out with advice, urging the family to formally notify relevant authorities and stakeholders through letters.

“We have been working quietly to ensure my brother is given a befitting burial, and the family has been meeting regularly,” she said.

She added that the financial strain from Nwosu’s prolonged illness had taken a toll on the family but emphasised their determination to honour his legacy. She also appealed for support from the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Football Federation.

“My brother served this country wholeheartedly. I expect the government and the NFF to ensure he gets a proper burial. We are still waiting and hoping they will respond,” she said.

Nwosu’s widow, Victoria, also recounted his final moments and expressed disappointment over the lack of outreach from the NSC and NFF, despite the public show of respect by the sports authorities.

“He had been ill for a long time but showed signs of improvement, and we thought he would recover. We went for a routine check-up, but that was when he passed on,” she said.

“Several former players have visited to sympathise with us, but we have yet to receive any call from the National Sports Commission or the Nigeria Football Federation six days after his death.”

Former Nigeria defenders Tajudeen Disu and Sunny Epochi, who were present at the family home during the visit, also berated the sports bodies.

“I am not surprised that neither the NSC nor the NFF has called the family or shown up here since he passed on. I do not expect them to show concern because it is not in their character. They did not show concern when Peter Rufai and other former Nigeria internationals died, and I want them to prove me wrong this time,” one of them said.

Nwosu, whose remains have been flown to Owerri, his hometown, scored eight goals in 60 appearances for Nigeria between 1980 and 1991. He is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest playmakers.

He began his football journey at St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, before launching his professional career with New Nigeria Bank FC in 1979. He later played for ACB FC, ASEC Mimosas, and RC Bafoussam before retiring.

Celebrated as one of Nigeria’s greatest number 10s, he transitioned into coaching in 1997, managing Ibom Stars, the Nigeria U-17 team, Union Bank FC, and Gateway United FC.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 25, 2026