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| The late ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu |
Christian Chukwu, a legendary figure in Nigerian football and former captain and coach of the Super Eagles, has died at the age of 74.
The football legend passed away in the early hours of Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu State. Details surrounding his death remain unclear.
Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” was a trailblazer in Nigerian football history. He captained the Green Eagles to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980, defeating Algeria 3–0 in Lagos.
His leadership extended beyond his playing career, as he later coached the Super Eagles to notable successes, including a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON tournament.
His longtime friend and teammate, Segun Odegbami, confirmed the news, describing Chukwu as one of Nigeria’s greatest football players.
“Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago. “My Chairman has passed on,” Odegbami said in a heartfelt tribute. May ‘Onyim’ find peace with Our Creator in Heaven and console his family.”
Chukwu assisted Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof when Nigeria won a second AFCON title in 1994 en route to the country’s maiden appearance at the 1994 USA World Cup.
Born on January 4, 1951, in Enugu State, Chukwu also led Enugu Rangers to continental glory by winning the African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
A commanding central defender in his playing days, Chukwu was named the player of the tournament at the 1980 AFCON.
Having coached the Super Eagles from 2002 and 2005, leading Nigeria to a bronze medal finish in the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia, the late Chukwu was fired in 2005 during the qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He played pivotal roles as an assistant coach during Nigeria’s triumphs at the 1994 AFCON and their first FIFA World Cup appearance in the USA.
Chukwu suffered from prostrate cancer in 2019, which affected his leg. A GoFundMe appeal was opened for him as the family solicited funds for his treatment.
But billionaire Femi Otedola later paid $50,000 for the former Super Eagles’ treatment abroad.
Christian Chukwu leaves behind a legacy that has deeply impacted generations of footballers and fans across Nigeria.
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