Nigerian Football Icon Christian Chukwu Dies at 74

Christian Chukwu, a footballing icon and legend of Nigeria, has sadly passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by his family.

The former centre-back was at the helm of the Green Eagles (now known as the Super Eagles) when they clinched their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.

Before this milestone achievement, Chukwu was a key member of the Nigerian squad that secured third place in the tournaments held in Ethiopia and Ghana in 1976 and 1978 respectively.

Beyond his international accolades, he is celebrated as one of the premier players in the Nigeria Professional Football League, having spent his playing career solely with his beloved Enugu Rangers from 1972 to 1981.

During his illustrious time with the Flying Antelopes, he bagged four league titles and four FA Cup trophies, among numerous personal honours. He also played a pivotal role in the team’s victory in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup, where the Enugu side triumphed over Canon Yaoundé from Cameroon in the final.

Chukwu took over from Abdul Majid as head coach of the Kenyan national team in 1998; however, after a challenging tenure, he returned to Nigeria.

In 2003, five years later, he was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, leading them to a commendable third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON, before being suspended indefinitely in 2005 during the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

“Breaking News!! My chairman has left us this morning. ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my close friend and teammate, one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers, former captain and coach of the national team, has passed away,” he shared on X.

The legendary Chukwu faced significant health challenges in recent years, with billionaire Femi Otedola covering his medical expenses during his treatment in the United States.