Tributes pour in for late Super Eagles legend Christian Chukwu

By Wale Mustapha

Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74 in Enugu.

Prominent political figures including former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, joined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and other stakeholders in mourning the football icon widely known as “Chairman.”

Chukwu, a legendary defender, captained both Enugu Rangers and the Green Eagles (as the national team was then known), leading Nigeria to victory at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations. He later served as coach of the Super Eagles, guiding the team to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.

“It is difficult to grasp that Chairman Christian Chukwu, MFR, has passed on. His name stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football. His absence will be profoundly felt,” Atiku said in a tribute posted on X.

Peter Obi also expressed his sorrow: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing to the greater glory of Christian Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons. Rest in Peace our True Heroes.”

The Nigeria Football Federation described Chukwu as “a great and good man,” with General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi praising his legacy of leadership, strength, and vision.

“We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing,” Sanusi said.

Similarly, NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye hailed Chukwu as a true icon of Nigerian club football.

“Christian Chukwu stands out in the annals of league football. He not only spent his entire career in our domestic league but also coached and inspired younger players, winning league titles as both a player and coach,” Elegbeleye said.

Popular TV broadcaster Oseni Rufai also paid tribute, writing on X: “The legend is gone! Breaking news! My Chairman has passed on.”

Born on January 4, 1951, Chukwu spent his entire playing career with Enugu Rangers before moving into coaching. In addition to leading the Super Eagles, he also managed Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars.

His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as fans and officials alike mourn the loss of one of the game’s true patriots and pioneers.