Osondu, ex-Golden Eaglet striker dies in Belgium

 

Philip Osondu, former Golden Eaglets’ striker has reportedly died at the age of 48.

Osondu, popularly known as ‘Zanza’ in Aba, Abia State, where he grew up, was a member of the pioneer Golden Eaglets squad that conquered the world in Beijing, China, in the maiden edition of FIFA’s Under 15 football championship, in 1985.

Nigerian Eaglets, as it was first called, became the Golden Eaglets after the team beat then West Germany (Germany) in the finals to win the cup.

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The former El-Kanemi Warriors player was also part of the nation’s squad that participated in the U-16 Canada in 1987.

He reportedly died on arrival at a Belgian hospital he took himself to for treatment, on Thursday, after observing some abnormal physiology of his body system.

Osondu, who was regarded as one of the great football talents in Nigeria and considered to have moved too early abroad, played for Belgian Pro team, Anderlecht.

His birth date was given as 28 November 1971.