Former Nigeria international and first national team captain to lift the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu is dead.
Chukwu, 74, was the skipper of the Green Eagles who lifted the AFCON title 45 years ago when it was hosted by Nigeria.
The one-time Rangers International and Super Eagles head coach had paid visits to medical institutions in recent years due to health challenges.
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The cause of his demise on Saturday was not known as at press time.
General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, in an official release made available to the sporting media, 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.”
Chukwu was on the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana, respectively. He then led the squad to glory on home soil in 1980 and was named Player of the Tournament.
Born on January 4, 1951, Chukwu coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars. He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 202 and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.
Before Chukwu, other members of the conquering AFCON squad that had passed on, are goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.
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