Philip Osondu, an exceptional Eaglet player who was the star boy of Nigeria’s Under-17 in 1987 is dead. The player who was impactful in his playing days in the 1987 tournament in Canada died after a minor illness.
He reportedly died in Belgium at the age of 48 after taking self to the hospital to be examined on Thursday.
According to the Nation, Osondu was said to have felt unwell at work and decided to visit the hospital. it was in the hospital where he was to receive treatment that he subsequently died.
Osondu played regularly for the youth teams of Nigeria, but never reached the first team.
In 1987 he participated in the World U-16 tournament in Canada. Nigeria reached the final, but then lost on penalties to the Soviet Union.
Award: Player of Year of his time
He got the World Cup Golden Ball as best player of the tournament.
Osondu was born on 28 November, 1971. He played in Belgium for teams, including RSC Anderlecht and RWDM.
Osondu started his career with Nigerian club side El Kanemi Warriors. He also played for RSC Anderlecht of Belgium in 1988. The attacker was seen as an emerging football talent and was transferred to Anderlecht which was a promising team. A year later, the 18-year-old striker made his debut for the team. He played at the highest level in an away match against Germinal Ekeren in 1989 playing under coach Aad de Mos.
