Nine players from Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad now dead

The recent demise of former Nigerian footballers, Christian  Chukwu and Charles Bassey, has brought the number of deceased players from Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning squad to nine.

The duo passed away on Saturday in Enugu State and Akwa Ibom State, respectively.

The team, which secured Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title, has lost several key members over the years.

Nigeria’s victory in the 1980 AFCON remains one of the nation’s proudest footballing moments.

Coached by Brazilian tactician Otto Glória, the Super Eagles dominated the tournament, defeating Algeria 3-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Lagos.

The squad was filled with legendary players who became national heroes.

However, over four decades later, nine members of that historic team have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of triumph and inspiration.

1. Best Ogedegbe (Goalkeeper) – Died in 2009 at 55 after undergoing surgery.
2. Moses Effiong (Forward) – A key attacker in the squad, his death details remain less publicized.
3. Okechukwu Isima (Defender)– Died in 2013 at 56.
4. Tunde Bamidele (Defender) – Passed away in 1997.
5. Aloysius Atuegbu (Forward) – Died in 2008 at 55.
6. Mudashiru Lawal (Midfielder) – A midfield maestro, died in 1991 at just 37.
7. Martins Eyo (Forward) – Tragically shot dead in Lagos in 2002.

The tournament

The men’s national football team of Nigeria is the most adored and followed sports team in the country.

In a nation of over 200 million people, that is a great accolade.

Literally, the players are worshipped. So when the Green Eagles, as they were known in 1980, went all the way to the final and defeated Algeria 3-0, the team and its individual players became history-makers and idols.

Before the 1980 triumph, Nigeria had participated in the 1963 edition but failed to qualify from the group stage.

They did not reappear until the 1976 edition in Ethiopia, where the team’s potential came to the fore.

Players like Christian Chukwu and Segun Odegbami rose to national prominence, representing powerhouse local clubs Enugu Rangers and IICC Shooting Stars.

Coached by Yugoslav Tiko Jelisavčić (better known as “Father Tiko”), the team finished third after defeating Egypt 3-2.

At the 1978 Nations Cup in Ghana, the Eagles again secured third place with a 2-0 awarded win over Tunisia (after the North Africans abandoned the match at 1-1). The core of the 1980 squad was forming, needing only youthful additions like Henry Nwosu and Frank Nwachi.

The 1980 edition coincided with Nigeria’s return to democratic rule under President Shehu Shagari.

The Eagles began the tournament on March 8, 1980, with a 3-1 win over Tanzania (goals from Muda Lawal, Ifeanyi Onyedika, and Segun Odegbami). They drew 0-0 with Côte d’Ivoire and defeated Egypt 1-0 (Okey Isima goal).

In the semi-final, Felix Owolabi scored the lone goal against Morocco (1-0), setting up a final against Algeria.

With President Shagari and about 85,000 fans in attendance, the Eagles dominated Algeria 3-0 to claim their first AFCON trophy.

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