Tributes are flooding in after the passing of legendary central defender and captain of Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON-winning team, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, who died in Enugu on Saturday.
The iconic Nigerian footballer, who won the hearts of many due to his formidable defensive presence and his loyalty to Enugu Rangers — the team he played for throughout his career — passed away at 74 after suffering from an illness, as confirmed by former teammates Emmanuel Okala and Segun Odegbami.
During his playing days, Chukwu captained the Nigerian national team which was then called the Green Eagles from 1974 to 1980. He was a member of the Nigerian teams that placed second in the 1976 and 1978 AFCON and following a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the 1980 final, he became the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup.
After his playing career, Chukwu was named coach of the Kenyan national team in October 1998 before later serving as Nigeria’s coach from 2003 to 2005, helping them advance to the 2004 African Cup of Nations semifinals.
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He led Enugu Rangers to sixth place in the Nigeria Premier Football League during the 2008–2009 season but was sacked on August 5, 2009, for not meeting the team’s season-long goals. He was later appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Manager of Rangers.
Reacting to the painful loss, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) released a statement saying, “The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and later coached the team, had died in his native city of Enugu on Saturday.”
“Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ because of his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in front of the rearguard at both club (Enugu Rangers) and country, Christian Chukwu was overjoyed as he hoisted above his head the Unity Cup (the first time Nigeria would triumph in the continental championship) after receiving same from President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980.”
General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “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.
“He embodied strength, vision and consistency. We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.”
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi also expressed his sadness with the loss, posting a tweet which read, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing to the greater glory of Christian Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.”
“Fondly known in football parlance as ‘Field Marshal’ and ‘Chairman’, he was not just a remarkable footballer but also an extraordinary leader who captained and coached the national team and his beloved club, Rangers International of Enugu, with distinction. His skill, discipline, and dedication to the beautiful game brought pride to our nation and joy to millions of fans across Africa and beyond.”
Meanwhile, In an official statement, the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described Christian Chukwu as the original ‘Chairman’ of Nigerian football in the Pitch, a true icon who led Nigeria to its first major title at the 1980 AFCON and left an indelible mark as a player, coach, and leader.
“This is a really sad day for Nigerian football. We all grew up loving this game because of people like Christian Chukwu. I pray God gives his family and in fact every Nigerian football faithful the fortitude to bear this colossal loss,” NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade added.
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