Charles Bassey, a former member of the Nigerian Green Hawks, died after a long battle with poor health.
Naija News The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reportedly confirmed his death in a statement issued on Sunday.
Bassey, a member of the Eagles Team, won Nigeria’s first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980, and died Saturday at his hometown of Akwa Ibom, Eket.
His death comes hours after another former football legend died, where he served as captain Christian Chukwu, the Hawks.
Bassey’s health has deteriorated for several years. In 2019, he revealed that after a car accident in 1986, he suffered from “nerve root compression” in his spinal cord.
He revealed that as time goes by, his condition worsens, making it increasingly difficult for him to walk. At that time, Brazil (Bassey) publicly requested financial assistance to help his medical expenses.
In 2021, Bassey shared that the Femi Otedola Foundation funded his spinal cord surgery, which gave him some relief, but his health challenges continued to affect him.
In addition to his career, Brazil has ventured into football management. He coached several clubs in the football league in Nigeria, including Calabar Rovers, Wikki tourists in Bauchi, BCC Lions in Gboko, Flash Flamingos, Mobil Pegasus in Eket and Akwa United Football Club.
Bassey’s death was a tragic milestone for the AFCON team in 1980 as he became the ninth member of that historic lineup.
Other members who have been in contact, Aloysiius, Turtle and Munasha Lawash and Martins
