President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian football icon and former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday at the age of 74 in his hometown of Enugu.
Tinubu: “A pillar of Nigerian sportsmanship”
In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Chukwu as “a symbol of excellence and patriotism,” hailing his contributions to Nigerian football both on and off the pitch.
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“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship,” Tinubu said.
“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 on the field and in the technical area. We will always remember him with great respect and admiration.”
Atiku: “A name that stands tall in Nigerian football history”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to his official X handle to pay tribute, describing Chukwu as a personification of grace, discipline, and unwavering dedication.
“It is difficult to grasp that Chairman Christian Chukwu, MFR, has passed on. His name stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football.
From the mid-70s, when he captained our beloved Green Eagles, to that glorious triumph at the 1980 Nations Cup, Chukwu was the image of grace, discipline, and dedication — both as a player and a coach.”
Governor Mbah: “A Football titan and national icon”
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State also expressed profound grief, calling Chukwu’s death a personal and national loss.
“I received with a deep sense of loss the passing away of Chairman Christian Chukwu. It is a personal loss to us as Ndi Enugu, his home state, and indeed to Nigeria and Africa.
Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, a field marshal, and a phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.
My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community, and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose.”
A legacy that transcends generations
Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his authoritative presence, Christian Chukwu captained Nigeria to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, famously lifting the Unity Cup in Lagos before a jubilant crowd, including then-President Shehu Shagari. He had earlier helped Nigeria to bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCONs.
Born on January 4, 1951, Chukwu dedicated his entire playing career to Enugu Rangers before moving into coaching. He managed both Enugu Rangers and the Kenyan national team before being appointed head coach of the Super Eagles in 2002, guiding the team to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.
Chukwu’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian and African football history.
