Charles Bassey, a hero of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning team, passed away at 71. His contributions to Nigerian football, both as a player and coach, left an indelible mark. His death follows the loss of fellow team member Christian Chukwu, marking a day of double tragedy for Nigerian football.
Charles Bassey, a key member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team, has passed away at the age of 71 after battling a long illness. His death occurred just hours after that of the team’s captain, Christian Chukwu, which added a deep layer of grief to the Nigerian football community.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed its sorrow over the passing of Bassey, reflecting on his important contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and as a coach. Bassey, who was part of the iconic Green Eagles squad that triumphed 3-0 over Algeria in the final of AFCON 1980, had gone on to coach several Nigerian football clubs after retiring from playing. These included Akwa United, BCC Lions of Gboko, and Wikki Tourists, among others.
Bassey’s death marks the loss of the ninth member of that legendary team. Previous losses include those of Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele, as well as midfielders such as Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.
His legacy will continue to live on in the annals of Nigerian football history, with tributes pouring in from former teammates and fans who remember his instrumental role in the country's football rise in the late 20th century.
