The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Charles Bassey, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.
Bassey died on Saturday at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, according to a statement issued on Monday by NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
His passing comes just hours after the death of Christian Chukwu, captain of the 1980 Green Eagles team, who died in Enugu. Chukwu was affectionately known as “Chairman” during his playing days.
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NFF General Secretary, Sanusi addressing journalists said;
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. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest.
Charles Bassey: 1980 AFCON Hero and Veteran Coach Passes On
Charles Bassey was among the 22 players who etched their names in Nigerian football history on March 22, 1980, when the Green Eagles defeated Algeria 3–0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, to claim the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title.
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Following his retirement from active football, Bassey transitioned into coaching and managed several Nigerian 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 death marks the ninth loss from the iconic 1980 squad. Other late members include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and fellow forward Martins Eyo.
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