AFCON Legend, Charles Bassey Passes On at 71

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is mourning the death of Charles Bassey, a key member of the country’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team.

Bassey passed away on Saturday at 71, following a long illness in his hometown, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi announced Bassey’s death in a statement on Monday.

Notably, Bassey’s passing occurred just hours after news of Christian Chukwu’s death, the captain of the victorious Green Eagles Squad, broke out.

“This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigerian 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,” Dr Sanusi Said.

Bassey was among the 22 players who made history on March 22, 1980, when Nigeria defeated  Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, to claim its first AFCON title.

After his playing career, Bassey transitioned into coaching, leading several Nigerian clubs, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.

Bassey’s passing marks the ninth member of the 1980 squad to have passed away. The other deceased members include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and fellow forward Martins Eyo.