News of his death was confirmed by former teammate Segun Odegbami, who revealed that the ex-international died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.
According to Flashscore, Odegbami shared the news on social media, explaining that Nwosu had spent several days in intensive care before his passing.
"Henry Nwosu passes on," Odegbami wrote. "After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call 'Youngest Millionaire' passed on at 4:00 am this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in Intensive Care since Wednesday."
He added that it was with deep pain that he delivered the news of the passing of the former midfielder, describing him as the youngest member of Nigeria's victorious squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nwosu was only 17 when he helped Nigeria secure their first continental title in 1980, making him one of the youngest players ever to win the tournament and an important part of Nigerian football history.
Born in Imo State, Nwosu began his professional career with New Nigeria Bank before moving to African Continental Bank in Lagos. His talent later took him abroad, where he played for ASEC Mimosas in Côte d'Ivoire and Racing FC Bafoussam in Cameroon.
After hanging up his boots, Nwosu moved into coaching and continued serving Nigerian football. He worked as an assistant to Adegboye Onigbinde during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and later assisted Samson Siasia when Nigeria won silver at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
His death comes just days after the passing of former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, marking a sad period for Nigerian football as the country reflects on the contributions of two influential figures.
Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has revealed that his high-profile move to West Bromwich Albion in 2014 may have played a decisive role in his omission from Nigeria's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has voiced fierce criticism over the recent ruling that awarded the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco, calling it "deeply troubling".
Nigeria could be on the verge of losing one of its brightest defensive prospects, with teenage centre-back Honest Ahanor now firmly in Italy's international plans after securing citizenship.
Nigeria will take part in a four-nation international tournament later this month after the Jordan Football Association confirmed that the competition has been moved from Amman to Antalya in Turkey.
