Former Eaglet's Player, Philip Osondu Dies

Philip Osondu, who was the star boy of Nigeria’s Under-17 Golden Eaglets’ exploit in Canada in 1987, is dead.

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 where 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.

He got the World Cup Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.

Osondu was born on 28 November 1971. He played in Belgium for teams, including RSC Anderlecht and RWDM.

Osondu played in his native Nigeria for El Kanemi Warriors when RSC Anderlecht brought him to 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 at the highest level in an away match against Germinal Ekeren in 1989 playing under coach Aad de Mos.