Alex Fredrick
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Green Eagles forward Charles Bassey, a member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.
Bassey passed away on Saturday at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
The NFF confirmed his passing in a statement released on Monday by its General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
His death came on the heels of another painful loss for Nigerian football, as news also broke of the passing of Christian Chukwu—captain of the 1980 squad—earlier that same day in Enugu. Chukwu, fondly known as ‘Chairman’, was a revered figure in Nigerian football.
“This has been a day of double tragedy. The NFF and the entire Nigerian football fraternity are deeply saddened by these unfortunate events. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day, and now we must also mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” Sanusi stated.
Charles Bassey was one of the 22 players who made history on March 22, 1980, when Nigeria clinched its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
Following his retirement from active football, Bassey transitioned into coaching, managing several local clubs including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus (based in his hometown), BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
His death marks the ninth loss among the iconic 1980 AFCON-winning squad. Other deceased members include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and forward Martins Eyo.
Bassey leaves behind a legacy of service to Nigerian football, both on and off the pitch.
