Nigerian Football Mourns the Loss of Charles Bassey, Another 1980 AFCON Hero

Charles Bassey, a legendary member of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, has passed away at the age of 71. Bassey’s death occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in his hometown of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, following a prolonged illness. This news came just hours after the confirmation of the passing of Christian Chukwu, the iconic captain of the same team, marking a double tragedy for Nigerian football.

Bassey was part of the historic Green Eagles squad that secured Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title by defeating Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on March 22, 1980. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, managing several Nigerian clubs, including Calabar Rovers, Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep sadness over Bassey’s passing, noting that his death brings the number of deceased members from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad to nine. Others who have passed on include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and fellow forward Martins Eyo.

Bassey’s legacy extends beyond his football career; he was also known for his resilience in the face of health challenges. In 2019, he revealed that he had suffered a nerve root compression in his spinal cord following a car accident in 1986, which led to difficulty walking. His spinal cord surgery was funded by the Femi Otedola Foundation in 2021. Bassey’s contributions to Nigerian football, both as a player and a coach, will be remembered and cherished by fans across the country.