Just hours after news broke of the passing of 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning captain Christian Chukwu, another member of that historic Green Eagles squad, Charles Bassey, has died.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the sad development in a statement released on Saturday.
According to the NFF, Bassey passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
His death followed closely on the heels of Chukwu’s, who died in Enugu, deepening the nation’s sense of loss.
“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,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said in reaction to the twin losses.
Bassey was part of the 22-man squad that made history in March 1980, lifting Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title after a commanding 3-0 win over Algeria at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
Following his playing career, Bassey transitioned into coaching, taking charge of several Nigerian clubs including Calabar Rovers, his hometown side Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
His death marks the ninth loss among that iconic 1980 team.
Others previously lost 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.
