Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu to be laid to rest August 10 – Enugu Government

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria will bid a final farewell to one of its most revered football icons, Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu, as his burial rites are set to begin on August 10, 2025.

The burial programme was jointly announced by the Enugu State Government and the Chukwu family, reflecting the deep respect and national reverence accorded to the late football legend.

Chukwu, a commanding defender and inspirational leader, captained Nigeria’s Green Eagles to their historic first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980.

He later transitioned into coaching, serving as head coach of the Super Eagles in the early 2000s, and contributed significantly to the development of Nigerian football across multiple generations.

In a joint statement signed by Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, and Engr. Emeka Chukwu on behalf of the family, the detailed funeral schedule was made public:

• August 10: Service of Songs at St. Andrew Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu (3:00–5:00 p.m.)

• August 13: Night of Tributes at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu (4:00–8:00 p.m.)

• August 14: Football Colloquium at Enugu Sports Club, celebrating Chukwu’s enduring legacy

• August 15: Novelty match at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, followed by a Christian Wake at his hometown in Obe, Nkanu West LGA (9:00 p.m.)

• August 16: Lying-in-State and burial at his residence in Obe (9:00 a.m.)

• August 17: Thanksgiving Service at St. Philips Anglican Church, Obe (9:00 a.m.)

Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” rose to prominence with Enugu Rangers before captaining the national team to continental glory.

His legacy transcends his playing and coaching days, as he remains a symbol of leadership, excellence, and resilience in Nigerian football.

As the nation prepares to honour and lay him to rest, Chukwu’s contributions will continue to inspire generations of players, coaches, and fans.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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