Nigeria’s football has been plunged into deeper mourning following the death of Charles Bassey, another member of the iconic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning Green Eagles squad.
The former national team forward passed away on Saturday at the age of 71, just hours after the death of team captain and legend Christian Chukwu was confirmed.
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A day of double tragedy
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Bassey’s passing in a statement issued on Sunday, describing it as a devastating blow to the nation’s football fraternity.
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“This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigerian football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
“We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest.”
Bassey died in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after a long battle with illness.
AFCON 1980 champion and national hero
Charles Bassey was a key member of Nigeria’s 22-man squad that clinched the country’s first-ever AFCON title with a historic 3-0 victory over Algeria at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on March 22, 1980.
Renowned for his pace and attacking instincts, Bassey contributed to what remains one of the most celebrated triumphs in Nigerian football history.
Distinguished coaching career
Following his playing days, Bassey turned to coaching and led several domestic clubs, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus (his hometown team), BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi. His influence spanned generations of players, leaving a mark at both grassroots and professional levels.
A growing list of fallen heroes
Bassey’s death brings to nine the number of departed members from that legendary 1980 Green Eagles squad. Other fallen heroes include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and forward Martins Eyo.
As the nation continues to mourn, the legacy of Charles Bassey and his contributions to Nigerian football will forever be remembered.
