Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Wednesday, April 16, paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of former Nigerian football captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, in Enugu, assuring them that they were not standing alone.
Mbah, who was out of the country attending the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London at the time of Chukwu’s death, also assured that the deceased would be immortalised.
He described the late footballer, popularly known as Chairman, as a legend, who served his country unreservedly and inspired millions of youths. He said the Government and people of Enugu, his home State, were thoroughly devastated by the death.
Speaking to newsmen after consoling the family and also signing a condolence register, Mbah said, “We have come here to commiserate with the family and also to express our devastation. We are just as devastated by his death; and his death is not just a loss to the family alone, it is a loss to all of us, particularly the government and the people of Enugu State.
“As you know, our beloved brother and legend, Chairman Christian Chukwu is a household name that inspired a lot of young people. He represents a lot of values when it comes to sport globally not just even in Nigeria.
“So, we are so devastated by his death, but we have also come here to assure the family that this loss is not just theirs, this is our collective loss; that we are going to be with them all through this period of grief, and that we are also going to ensure that his name is immortalised.”
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Chukwu’s soul and for fortitude on the part of his family to bear the irreparable loss.
Also with the governor at the round leather maestro’s residence were the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.
The Field Marshal Maestro
Christian Chukwu was born on January 4, 1951. He made history as the captain of the Nigerian national team, leading them to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980. Chukwu was a skilled defender who played for the Green Eagles from 1974 to 1980 and was part of the teams that finished runners-up in 1976 and 1978.
In his career, he was fondly known as “Chairman” or the “Field Marshal” once he took charge on the field as captain of his side.
Career Highlights:
- Playing Career: Chukwu captained the Nigerian national team to victory in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Algeria 3-0 in the final.
- Coaching Career: He coached the Kenyan national team in 1998 and later managed the Nigerian national team from 2003 to 2005, leading them to the semifinals of the 2004 African Cup of Nations.
- Club Career: Chukwu coached Enugu Rangers, leading them to sixth place in the 2008-2009 Nigeria Premier League season.
Chukwu was regarded as a true legend of African football by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and his memory will be cherished by fans and the football community.
Sadly, Christian Chukwu passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 74. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers.
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