*Tinubu mourns, says his legacy in Nigerian football lives on
Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagles captain and head coach, has died at 74.
Segun Odegbami, a former teammate and close friend, announced Chukwu’s death on Saturday.
“I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and team mate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has passed on,” Odegbami wrote in a WhatsApp broadcast.
“Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago.”
The cause of Chukwu’s death remains undisclosed.
In mourning Chukwu, President Bola Tinubu said that Christian Chukwu’s legacy lives on following his passing on Saturday.
The President joined the football community in mourning the loss of a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status on the global stage.
A towering figure in Nigerian football, Chukwu captained the Green Eagles to a historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON.
Tinubu eulogised Chukwu for a trailblazing career marked by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.
“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism.
“He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of the Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.
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“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators both on the field and from the technical area.
“We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President said.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the departed sportsman and for comfort for his family, expressing hope that they find solace in his enduring legacy.
In 2019, Chukwu suffered prostate cancer, which affected his leg. The family had to open a GoFundMe appeal to solicit funds for the Nigerian football legend’s medical treatment.
Femi Otedola, the billionaire businessman, eventually paid $50,000 for Chukwu’s treatment overseas.
Chukwu is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest centre-backs and captains. He was captain when the Super Eagles won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 on home soil. He was also named the player of the tournament.
He played for one club, Enugu Rangers, and led the club to the 1977 Africa Cup Winners Cup.
Chukwu was head coach of the Eagles between 2002 and 2005.
He led the team to a bronze medal at Tunisia’s 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The manager was relieved of the job in June 2005 during the qualification campaign for the World Cup in Germany.
Chukwu also served as assistant coach of the first team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy for Nigeria – the Golden Eaglets that triumphed at the FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985.
