The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the passing of Charles Bassey, a member of the historic Green Eagles squad that clinched Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.

According to reports, Bassey died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.

The former forward, who hailed from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, died in his hometown just hours after the death of the team’s iconic captain, Christian Chukwu, was confirmed in Enugu—marking a double tragedy for Nigerian football.

Expressing its grief, the NFF said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Bassey’s passing, paying tribute to his contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and a coach.

“This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events.

We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.

Charles Bassey was part of the 22-man Green Eagles squad that famously defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on March 22, 1980, securing Nigeria’s first AFCON title.

After his playing career, Bassey ventured into coaching, handling various clubs across the country.

His coaching journey included stints with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, Calabar Rovers, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, and his local team, Mobil Pegasus.

With Bassey’s passing, the number of deceased members from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad has now risen to nine.

Others who have passed on include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and striker Martins Eyo.

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has mourned the passing of Mr. Christian Chukwu, a distinguished football icon and a true patriot, who died on Saturday 12, April 2025.

In his condolence message, Governor Soludo stated that Mr. Christian Chukwu’s name is etched in the annals of Nigerian football history and his contributions to the development of the sport in our nation are immeasurable, leading the national team in winning the Nations Cup (AFCON) in 1980.

In a press release signed, by Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the Governor on April 12, 2025, the Governor noted that as a player, he was a colossus, a formidable defender and a leader of men, captaining the legendary Enugu Rangers International Football Club and the national team, the Green Eagles now Super Eagles, with unrelenting dedication and exemplary skill.

His leadership on the field earned him the nickname “Chairman,” inspiring generations of footballers and igniting a passion for the beautiful game across the country.

The Governor also recalled that Mr. Chukwu’s tenure as coach of the Super Eagles further solidified his legacy, as he guided the team with his characteristic wisdom and tactical acumen.

His commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of unity within the team left an indelible mark on the Nigerian football landscape.

Therefore, Governor Soludo consoles the family of Mr. Christian Chukwu, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all who mourn his passing, praying that his soul rest in perfect peace.

Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, is dead.

Chukwu passed away at the age of 74.

He died earlier on Saturday, though details surrounding his death remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

Details of his death, later…..