Nigeria Mourns as 1980 AFCON Hero Charles Bassey Dies at 71

Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the passing of Charles Bassey, a key member of the legendary 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning Green Eagles squad. The former national team forward died on Saturday at age 71, just hours after the death of team captain Christian Chukwu.

A Day of Double Tragedy for Nigerian Football

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Bassey’s passing in an official statement, calling it a “devastating blow” to the nation’s football fraternity. NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed profound grief, stating: “This has been a day of double tragedy… We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey.”

Bassey passed away in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after battling a prolonged illness.

1980 AFCON Champion and National Icon

Charles Bassey was instrumental in Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON victory, where the Green Eagles claimed their first continental title with a 3-0 win over Algeria at Lagos’ National Stadium. Known for his blistering pace and attacking prowess, Bassey helped secure one of Nigerian football’s most celebrated achievements.

From Player to Coach: A Lasting Legacy

After retiring from play, Bassey transitioned to coaching, managing several Nigerian clubs including:

• Calabar Rovers
• Mobil Pegasus
• BCC Lions of Gboko
• Akwa United
• Wikki Tourists

His coaching career impacted generations of players across Nigeria’s football landscape.

Remembering the 1980 Green Eagles

Bassey’s death marks the ninth loss from the iconic 1980 squad. Other departed members include:

• Best Ogedegbe (goalkeeper)
• Moses Effiong (goalkeeper)
• Christian Chukwu (defender)
• Mudashiru Lawal (midfielder)

As Nigeria mourns, the football community reflects on Bassey’s enduring contributions to the sport’s development in the country.