By Silvernews
The Nigerian football community and sports stakeholders in Imo State are set to bid a final farewell to former Green Eagles star and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, MON, as his family officially released the burial programme for the late football icon.
Nwosu, widely celebrated as the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 AFCON squad, passed on after decades of service to Nigerian football both as a player, coach and administrator.
According to details released by the family, the burial activities will commence on Monday, June 1, 2026, with a Night of Tributes scheduled to hold at Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, from 4pm to 7pm.
The late midfield maestro carved a name for himself as one of Nigeria’s finest creative players during his illustrious career with clubs including New Nigeria Bank (NNB) and ACB, where his brilliance and composure made him a household name in domestic football.
After retirement, Nwosu continued contributing to the development of the game, serving as a coach with Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now Heartland FC, while also mentoring several young football talents across the country.
The funeral programme will continue on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with a Service of Songs at Umukwoma Umuorie-Naze in Owerri, Imo State, beginning at 4pm.
A novelty football match involving Lagos Legends and Imo Legends has also been scheduled for Friday, June 5, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, from 3pm, in honour of the late football ambassador whose impact on Nigerian football extended beyond his playing days.
On Saturday, June 6, funeral rites will begin with a lying-in-state at the Dan Anyiam Stadium before a funeral mass at his country home in Umukwoma, Naze, from 10am to 11am, after which interment will immediately follow.
The burial ceremonies will conclude on Sunday, June 7, with a thanksgiving service at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Naze, by 10am.
Until his death, Nwosu remained actively involved in football administration and youth development, serving at different times as a board member of Heartland FC and a coach with Nigeria’s national U-17 team.
Reacting to the loss, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, described the late football legend as a humble patriot, respected sports icon and symbol of dedication whose contributions to Nigerian football would remain evergreen.
In a statement issued by the association’s Secretary, Tunde Liadi, with the consent of Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, SWAN Imo extended condolences to Nwosu’s family, former teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire football fraternity, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
