IMO SWAN MOURNS HENRY NWOSU
By Innocent Osuoha
The Imo SWAN, alongside Imo people, the Nigerian Football Community are set to bid farewell to Henry Nwosu, a football legend.
A release by Imo SWAN Secretary, Comrade Tunde Liadi said the Comrade Cosmos Chukwuemeka-led Sportswriters regretted the demise of the football legend describing him as a humble patriot, respected football legend and symbol of dedication whose legacy will continue to inspire Nigerian sports.
The Body recalled that until his passing, Nwosu remained an influential figure in Nigerian football administration and youth development, serving at different times as a board member of Heartland FC and as a coach with Nigeria’s national under-17 team.
It also looked back at his commitment in nurturing young talents and advancing football in Imo State and Nigeria which earned him admiration across generations of players and fans.
Imo SWAN then extended its condolences to the legend's bereaved family, former teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the entire football fraternity, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Meanwhile, a burial release by the deceased, said the burial programme which will culminate to laying to rest of the remains of the football icon, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, MON, former Green Eagles star and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner begins on Monday, June 1, 2026, with a Night of Tributes at Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, from 4pm to 7pm.
There will also be a Service of Songs on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Umukwoma Umuorie-Naze in Owerri, Imo State, beginning at 4pm.
On Friday, June 5, there will be a commemorative football match at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, by 3pm involving Lagos Legends and Imo Legends in honour of the late football ambassador whose contributions to Nigerian football development stretched beyond his playing days.
The funeral rites will continue on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with lying-in-state at Dan Anyiam Stadium before the funeral mass at his country home in Umukwoma, Naze, Imo State, from 10am to 11am, after which interment will immediately follow.
A thanksgiving service will later hold on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Naze, by 10am.
Until his passing, Nwosu remained an influential figure in Nigerian football administration and youth development, serving at different times as a board member of Heartland FC and as a coach with Nigeria’s national under-17 team.
His commitment to nurturing young talents and advancing football in Imo State and Nigeria earned him admiration across generations of players and fans.