The family of Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu has announced that his burial, initially set for August 22, 2025, will now take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Enugu. The change was necessitated by a scheduling conflict with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, hosted by the Enugu State Government from August 22–28, 2025.
In a statement signed by Emeka Christian Chukwu Jr., the family expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling. “We respectfully inform you of the slight change in the burial date of Chairman Christian Chukwu, previously scheduled for August 22, 2025. The new date is now Saturday, August 16, 2025,” the statement read.
Chukwu, a former captain of the Green Eagles, was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He earned 54 caps and scored five goals during his international career, leading Nigeria to AFCON glory in 1980 on home soil.
A stalwart of Enugu Rangers, Chukwu also served as assistant coach under Clemens Westerhof during Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph in Tunisia and the country’s first FIFA World Cup qualification that same year. He contributed to Nigeria’s success as assistant coach for the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup win in China and later led the Super Eagles as head coach to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.
The family’s statement concluded with gratitude for the public’s understanding and support during this time.