The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the death of Charles Bassey, a member of the celebrated Green Eagles team that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 1980.
Bassey passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 71, after battling a long illness.
The former striker, from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, died in his hometown just hours after the confirmation of the death of the team’s legendary captain, Christian Chukwu, in Enugu – a double loss for Nigerian football.
Read Also: Things You Don’t Know About ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu
The NFF expressed its sorrow, stating it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Bassey’s passing and acknowledging his contributions to Nigerian football as both a player and a coach.
“This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria 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,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.
Charles Bassey was part of the 22-man Green Eagles squad that famously defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on March 22, 1980, securing Nigeria’s inaugural AFCON title.
Following his playing career, Bassey transitioned to coaching, managing several clubs across the nation.
His coaching journey included spells with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, Calabar Rovers, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, and his local team, Mobil Pegasus.
With Bassey’s death, the number of deceased players from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad has now reached nine.
The other deceased members include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and striker Martins Eyo.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
