The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Charles Bassey, a proud member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.
Bassey died on Saturday at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State. The sad news was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
His death came just hours after the football world was shaken by the loss of Christian Chukwu, fondly known as ‘Chairman’, the captain of that same victorious Green Eagles team. Chukwu passed away in Enugu.
“This has been a day of double tragedy. The NFF and the entire Nigerian football community are heartbroken by these losses. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier, and now we mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” Sanusi said.
Bassey was one of the 22 players who etched their names in the nation’s history on March 22, 1980, when Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, to clinch its first-ever AFCON title.
Following his playing career, Bassey transitioned into coaching, taking charge of 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 passing marks the ninth death among the legendary 1980 squad. Other fallen heroes 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.