The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is grieving the loss of Charles Bassey, a key member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles, who passed away on Saturday at 71 in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after a prolonged illness. His death came hours after the passing of team captain Christian Chukwu, marking a somber day for Nigerian football.
“This has been a day of double tragedy,” said NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. “We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier, and now we mourn Charles Bassey. May their souls rest in peace.”
Bassey, a forward, played a vital role in Nigeria’s historic 3-0 victory over Algeria at the National Stadium, Surulere, on March 22, 1980, securing the nation’s first AFCON title. Post-retirement, he coached several clubs, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists.
His passing brings the number of deceased members from the 1980 squad to nine, following the losses of Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atuegbu, Mudashiru Lawal, and Martins Eyo.