‎Dikko Seeks Henry Nwosu Immortalisation Through Revival of School Football

Dikko Seeks Henry Nwosu Immortalisation Through Revival of School Football
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‎By Kenny Mmadu Ozioko
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‎Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has said that reviving school football competitions across Nigeria would be the most fitting way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.
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‎Dikko remarked while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, and members of the late football icon’s burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
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‎Paying tribute to the former winger, the NSC chairman described Nwosu as one of the most talented and exciting footballers of his era, noting that his rise from school football to the national team remains an inspiring story for young athletes across the country.
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‎According to Dikko, the history of school sports in Nigeria, particularly the famous Principals’ Cup, cannot be told without recognising Nwosu’s contribution and influence on the game.
‎“Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age. The history of school sports, especially the Principals’ Cup, will not be complete without his name,” Dikko said.
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‎He recalled that the late football star represented Nigeria at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations while still very young, describing him as proof that grassroots football development can produce world-class talents.
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‎Dikko stated that Nwosu’s journey from school football to continental success aligns with the commission’s renewed commitment to talent discovery and youth development through school sports programmes nationwide.
‎The NSC chairman further stressed the need for both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalise the late football icon in a manner that reflects both his achievements with the national team and his roots in grassroots football.
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‎He suggested that a major school sports competition could be named after Nwosu to preserve his legacy and inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers.
‎Describing Nwosu’s death as a huge loss to the country, Dikko assured the family that the NSC would support all activities lined up for the burial and collaborate with the Nigeria Football Federation and the Imo State Government to ensure the late football legend receives a befitting honour.
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‎Earlier, Nwosu’s eldest sister, Mrs. Ijeoma Onyewuchi, expressed the family’s grief over his passing, describing him as the only son among four children whose absence has created a painful vacuum in the family.
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‎She commended the late footballer’s immense contribution to Nigerian football and appealed to the NSC to support the family in organising a successful burial ceremony.
‎Speaking on behalf of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, Dr. Geoffrey Ogu called on both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalise Nwosu through football initiatives and development projects capable of inspiring younger generations.
‎Ogu also appealed for a state burial in honour of the late football icon, noting that such recognition would determine the level of official honour, support, and participation from both state and federal authorities.
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‎He further requested approval for national burial honours, including draping Nwosu’s casket with the Nigerian flag, the recitation of the national anthem, and the observance of a minute’s silence during the burial rites.
‎Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad, died on March 14, 2026, at the age of 62.
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‎The former Green Eagles star is scheduled to be buried on June 6, 2026, in his hometown of Naze, with several activities already planned to celebrate his life and contributions to Nigerian football.