Football community mourns as 1980 AFCON hero dies hours after former coach’s death

The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Green Eagles star, Charles Bassey, who passed away on Saturday in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after a prolonged battle with ill health.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his passing in a statement released on Sunday, marking a somber moment for the nation just hours after the death of another football legend, Christian Chukwu, who captained and coached the Eagles.

Bassey was a proud member of Nigeria’s historic squad that clinched the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980. His contribution to that golden generation cemented his legacy as one of the pioneers of Nigeria’s football greatness.

The former defender had battled serious health challenges for years, dating back to a 1986 car accident that resulted in nerve root compression in his spinal cord. In 2019, he publicly appealed for financial assistance to fund medical treatment as his condition worsened and walking became increasingly difficult.

In 2021, a glimmer of hope came when the Femi Otedola Foundation sponsored a spinal cord surgery for Bassey, bringing temporary relief. However, his health continued to deteriorate until his death.

Beyond his playing days, Bassey transitioned into coaching, taking charge of several clubs in Nigeria’s domestic league, including Calabar Rovers, Wikki Tourists, BCC Lions, Flash Flamingos, Mobil Pegasus of Eket, and Akwa United FC.

His passing marks a heartbreaking milestone as he becomes the ninth member of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad to be laid to rest. Other fallen teammates include Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atuegbu, Mudashiru Lawal, and Martins Eyo.

Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, former teammates, and officials, all honoring Bassey’s dedication to Nigerian football and his enduring impact on the sport.