Another member of the historic Green Eagles squad that clinched Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, Charles Bassey, is dead.
Making the announcement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Bassey died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.
That brings to two the members of the 1980 Green Eagles Cup of African Nations winners who died within a few hours of each other following the death of Christian Chukwu, who was the iconic captain of the victorious side.
The former forward, who hailed from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, died in his hometown just hours after the death of Chukwu in Enugu—marking a double tragedy for Nigerian football.
Expressing its grief, the NFF said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Bassey’s passing, paying tribute to his contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and a coach.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said, “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.”
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 first AFCON title.
After his playing career, Bassey ventured into coaching, handling various clubs across the country.
His coaching journey included stints with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, Calabar Rovers, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, and his local team, Mobil Pegasus.
With Bassey’s passing, the number of deceased members from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad has now risen to nine.
Others who have passed on 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.
