President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Christian Chukwu, the iconic captain of Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team in 1980. Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” died on Saturday at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu State at the age of 74. Tinubu described Chukwu as a symbol of excellence and patriotism whose contributions to football brought pride and joy to millions. “He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, also expressed sorrow over Chukwu’s passing. “His absence will be profoundly felt. My thoughts and prayers are with his dear family and with every one of us who cherished his contributions to the beautiful game,” Abubakar wrote on X. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State expressed deep grief over Chukwu’s death, describing it as a personal loss to Nigeria as a nation and Africa as a continent. “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,” the governor said.
Chukwu captained the Nigerian national team between 1974 and 1980, leading them to a runners-up finish at the AFCON in 1976 and 1978, before clinching the trophy on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament that year. At club level, Chukwu spent his entire playing career with Enugu Rangers, leading them to several domestic and continental triumphs, including the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
The football community has also paid tribute to Chukwu’s legacy. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, 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.” Mallam Shehu Dikko, National Sports Commission Chairman, described Chukwu’s death as a big shock, saying, “A big iroko tree has fallen.” Francis Moniedafe, an ex-Bendel Insurance defender who played against Chukwu, described his passing as a loss for African football. “May his soul rest in peace. It’s a big loss for Nigeria and African football as a whole,” he said.
After hanging up his boots, Chukwu transitioned into coaching, serving as assistant coach of the Golden Eaglets that won the FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985. He also coached the Super Eagles, leading them to the semifinals and securing bronze at the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia. Chukwu’s contributions to Nigerian football earned him the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic. As the football fraternity mourns the loss of one of its greatest icons, Chukwu’s death comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of the 1980 AFCON triumph.