The Enugu State Government says it will immortalize Christian Chukwu, the former captain and coach of Rangers International and the Green Eagles of Nigeria.
Chukwu died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, after a long battle with illness.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, visited the late football icon’s family on Sunday at Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. He delivered the government’s condolences and praised Chukwu’s lasting impact on football in Nigeria and the Igbo nation.
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has directed that a committee be set up to immortalize Chairman Christian Chukwu, who made Igbos proud after the civil war and brought glory to Nigeria,” Ekweremadu said.
He described Chukwu’s death as a big loss.
“He inspired a lot of us through his service to Nigeria and his unmatched humility. The sports family is in deep mourning,” he added.
A Legend Beyond the Pitch
Christian Chukwu was one of Nigeria’s football greats. Born in 1951 in Enugu, he captained the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, to win the 1980 African Cup of Nations.
He also captained Enugu Rangers, where he later coached and served in administrative roles.
Chukwu earned the nickname “Chairman” because of his leadership qualities. He played as a central defender and was famous for his discipline, strength, and calm leadership on the field.
After retirement, he continued to contribute to football development in Nigeria. He served as the General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation and was also a former coach of the national team.
Tributes from Rangers and Beyond
Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation, shared his personal experience working with Chukwu.
“I worked with him when he was General Manager and I was the Team Manager. He was humble, forthright, and like a father. Even after leaving office, his advice guided me,” he said.
Ezeaku noted that Chukwu was already being celebrated while alive.
“Governor Peter Mbah asked that we keep in touch with old Rangers players. We have been doing that. His image is on our office wall. We shall keep celebrating him, even in death,” he stated.
He also recalled one of their last meetings.
“Not long ago, we visited him. He told us he was going to the hospital. We didn’t know it would be the last time,” Ezeaku added.
Rangers International Football Club, where Chukwu spent much of his career, has promised to honor his legacy further. The club is expected to be involved in state plans to immortalize him.
Chukwu’s death has led to an outpouring of grief in the Nigerian sports community. Fans, former teammates, and sports officials have described him as a symbol of discipline and national pride.
He is survived by his wife, children, and many admirers across Nigeria and beyond.
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