By Salif Atojoko, Abuja/Alex Enebeli, Enugu/Aderonke Ojediran, Lagos,
By Salif Atojoko, Abuja/Alex Enebeli, Enugu/Aderonke Ojediran, Lagos,April 12, 2025
President Bola Tinubu and Governors Peter Mba of Enugu and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos have joined the many who are extending condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Christian Chukwu, the Nigerian football icon, who died on Saturday at the age of 74.
“The President joins the football community in mourning a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status globally,” Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s spokesman, said in a statement.
Chukwu captained the Green Eagles to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory and later coached the Super Eagles, which won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence and leadership on the field, Chukwu devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
President Tinubu eulogised Chukwu for a career defined by passion, discipline and commitment to national pride.
“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism.
“He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of the Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.
“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 are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President stated.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed sportsman and comfort for his family, hoping they find solace in his enduring legacy.
In Enugu State, Gov. Mbah expressed deep grief over the passing away of Chukwu, saying it was a personal loss to Enugu people.
Reacting to the development on Saturday, the governor described Chukwu as a “football icon, titan, and phenomenon”.
Mbah said, “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 as a nation and Africa as a continent.
“Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, field marshal, and phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.
“He was patriotism personified, serving the nation and Africa unreservedly both as a player and coach of the highly successful Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Super Eagles of Nigeria”.
He noted that Chukwu not only captained the Super Eagle to victory as Green Eagles at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but also coached the Harambee Stars of Kenya, among other exploits.
“Chairman, as he was fondly called, gave his all not only to the nation but to the rest of Africa. He wrote his name in gold in the annals of the history of Nigerian and African football.
“Our dear legend has gone the way of all mortals, but the fond memories and the pride he gave Ndi Igbo and Nigeria as a whole will be cherished forever.
“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,” he prayed.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Chukwu who passed away at the age of 74 as a legend.
He described the death of the national icon, who served as both player and coach, as a painful loss to the nation and extended his condolences to the Chukwu family, the Enugu State Government, and the Nigerian Football Federation on the loss of the soccer maestro.
“The death of Christian Chukwu is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of our best,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Sanwo-Olu said Chukwu, affectionately known as ‘Chairman,’ would be greatly missed. He urged his family, friends, colleagues, and fans to accept his passing as an act of God and prayed for eternal peace for Chukwu and strength for his loved ones and fans to bear the loss.
