Nigeria Mourns Again As 1980 AFCON Hero Charles Bassey Dies At 71

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Just hours after the nation was shaken by the death of legendary football captain Christian Chukwu, Nigeria has suffered yet another heartbreaking loss with the passing of Charles Bassey, another hero of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles squad.

Bassey, aged 71, died on Saturday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed in a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.

Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the NFF, described the day as a “double tragedy” for Nigerian football.

“We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” he said.

Bassey was part of the historic team that brought home Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title on March 22, 1980, defeating Algeria 3-0 in a packed National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The triumph marked a golden era for Nigerian football, etching the names of Bassey and his teammates into national memory.

Following his playing days, Bassey transitioned into coaching, leading several Nigerian clubs including Calabar Rovers, Flash Flamingoes, BCC Lions of Gboko, Akwa United, Wikki Tourists, and Mobil Pegasus—the team from his hometown.

His death marks the ninth among the celebrated 22-man squad that captured continental glory.

Others who have passed 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.

Tributes have been pouring in from fans, football veterans, and institutions, all mourning the loss of a man who not only lifted trophies but also inspired generations through his love for the game and his dedication to Nigerian football.