By Ghazali Ibrahim
Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has died at the age of 74.
The death of the football legend, fondly known as “Chairman,” was confirmed on Saturday by his ex-teammate, Segun Odegbami.
Chukwu reportedly passed away on Saturday morning between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Odegbami shared the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post.
He said: “My Chairman has passed on. 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.”
A revered figure in Nigerian football, Chukwu captained the national team to their historic win at the 1980 African Nations Cup.
Known for his commanding presence in defense, he left an indelible mark on the game both on and off the pitch.
Following his playing career, Chukwu transitioned into coaching, taking the helm of the Super Eagles and later managing Kenya’s national team.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the football community, with fans, players, and officials remembering his immense contributions to the sport and his lasting legacy in African football.
Further details surrounding his death are expected to emerge in the coming days.
