Christian Chukwu, legendary Green Eagles captain and Super Eagles coach, has died at the age of 74. News of his passing was confirmed Saturday, although the cause of death remains unknown at the time of this report.
In a heartfelt statement, former teammate and fellow football icon, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, mourned Chukwu’s death: “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. Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago! May ‘Onyim’ find peace with Our Creator in Heaven, and console his family.”
Chukwu, affectionately called “Chairman”, was a pillar of Nigerian football, renowned for his contributions both on and off the pitch. He captained the Green Eagles to their historic 1980 African Cup of Nations victory and later went on to coach the national team, including leading Nigeria to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
He passed away precisely 20 days after the 1980 AFCON victory’s 45th anniversary. He was preceded in death by a few other members of the squad, among whom were goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and striker Martins Eyo.
Back in 2021, rumours of Chukwu’s death spread widely, prompting him to publicly refute the claims during his 70th birthday celebration. “I am terribly embarrassed with this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story,” he had said at the time.
His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as tributes pour in from across the sporting world for a man who defined leadership and excellence in the beautiful game.
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