A good part of our National Anthem reads that, “The Labours of Heroes Past, Shall Not Be In Vein” and that’s exactly what most voices in the Nigerian football fraternity is echoing unitedly as the call for the relevant authorities and well meaning citizens of Nigeria to come to the urgent aide of our dear ex –international, Henry Nwosu.
It is no longer news that the former Eagles Captain and AFCON winner is currently sick and needs urgent medical attention with many football stakeholders reacting all over the nation calling for the government of Imo state and the Sports Ministry to come to his aide.
The younger generations may not have a vivid knowledge of the exploits of the former NNB midfield chief who painted the league and our national teams with mesmerizing colours from the colligate up on till his retiring age.
It therefore very imperative to bring to the mind of the authorities why the living legend who bagged the honour as Member of The Order of The Niger ‘MON’, after winning the Nations cup as a youngster alongside the likes of Segun Odegbami, Emmanuel Okala, Muda Lawal, Patrick Ekeji, Chritian Chukwu among many others in 1980.
According to records, Henry Nwosu born on 14 June 1963 and hails from Nze in Owerri North LGA in Imo state.
Nwosu spent his career at home with New Nigeria Bank (NNB) of Benin City and African Continental Bank (ACB) of Lagos. He also played for ASEC Mimosas FC of Ivory Coast and Racing FC Bafoussam of Cameroon during his active days.
After retiring from active football, the diminutive midfield maestro began his managerial career as an assistant to former Eagles teammate, Samson Siasia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where Nigeria won the silver medal.
He was also an assistant to Chief Festus Onigbinde when they took the Super Eagles to 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.
On 27 September 2008, Nwosu was appointed as the coach for the Nigerian U-17 team. However, he was removed from the post in April 2009 after a string of poor results in preparation for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was hired that August as coach of Union Bank F.C. In October 2013, he was named coach for Abeokuta club Gateway United F.C. Terror Alert: DSS arrests suspects, US orders employees’ departure.
He is a member of the FESTAC All Stars and the Patron of Imo Football Legends.
Many spirited Nigerians and groups have since been visiting him at his hospital in Asaba, Delta state but more is still required to save his ailing health.
