From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The sudden death of Christian Chukwu, revered former captain and head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has saddened billionaire philanthropist Femi Otedola.
Otedola described the loss as a profound shock, praising Chukwu’s remarkable contributions to Nigerian football.
“As one of Nigeria’s patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general,” Otedola stated. “His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remain legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history.”
Otedola recalled his support in 2019 when Chukwu faced prostate cancer, which had severely impacted his mobility. “
Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.”
Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman” led the Super Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the team to a bronze medal in 2004. His legacy, Otedola noted, remains a beacon of unity and excellence.
Expressing sympathy, Otedola said: “My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time.”
Similarly, Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo hailed him as a distinguished football icon and a true patriot. He added that his name is etched in the annals of Nigerian football history and his contributions to the development of the sport in our nation are immeasurable, leading the national team in winning the Nations Cup (AFCON) in 1980
He noted that as a player, he was a colossus, a formidable defender and a leader of men, captaining the legendary Enugu Rangers International Football Club and the national team, the Green Eagles now Super Eagles, with unrelenting dedication and exemplary skill.
His leadership on the field earned him the nickname “Chairman,” inspiring generations of footballers and igniting a passion for the beautiful game across the country.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the death.
Kalu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chukwu’s contributions to sports development, especially football, in Nigeria, saying that he will be sorely missed.
The former Super Eagles coach passed on at the weekend at the age of 74.
The deputy speaker, while condoling with the family of the late Chukwu, described him as one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, a remarkable footballer and coach who led the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 1980.
Kalu also extended condolences to the government of Enugu State, the entire Nigerian football community and prayed for the repose of his soul.
“From his journey as a player to his impactful years as a coach, he consistently embodied excellence, patriotism, and dedication to the growth of Nigerian football. His legacy as a football legend will forever remain etched in the hearts of Nigerians. As a leader, mentor, and patriot, he inspired generations with his passion, discipline, and strong commitment to national pride through sports.”
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chukwu family, his friends and loved ones, and the entire Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire excellence in our sporting culture,” the deputy speaker stated.