Isa Umar, Abuja
President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi have mourned the passing of football legend, Christian Chukwu.
In a post signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, “The President extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74, leaving a void in the hearts of many football fans.
“The President joins the football community in mourning the loss of a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status globally”.
According to the statement, Tinubu described Chukwu as a towering figure in Nigerian football, noting that he captained the Green Eagles to a historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory and later coached the Super Eagles, which won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership.
“Nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence and leadership on the field, Chukwu devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. 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.
“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President said, while praying for the repose of the departed sportsman and comfort for his family.
Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons – Obi
On his part, Mr. Peter Obi described late Christian Chukwu as one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.
Taking to his X handle, the former Anambra governor also mourned the death of another Captain, Christian Isiadinso, who passed away in March.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing to the greater glory of Christian Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons. Fondly known in football parlance as ‘Field Marshal’ and ‘Chairman’, he was not just a remarkable footballer but also an extraordinary leader who captained and coached the national team and his beloved club, Rangers International of Enugu, with distinction. His skill, discipline, and dedication to the beautiful game brought pride to our nation and joy to millions of fans across Africa and beyond.
“Beyond his playing days, Christian Chukwu continued to serve the game as a coach and mentor, nurturing young talents and contributing immensely to the development of football in Nigeria. His life was marked by resilience and patriotism, and his legacy will remain a shining example of what it means to represent one’s country with honour and integrity.
“Just a few weeks ago, Rangers suffered another profound loss, with the death of another Captain, Christian Isiadinso, who passed away in March.
“Christian Chukwu and Christian Isiadinso sacrificed everything for sports and our nation, both embodying the spirit of resilience and patriotism.
“At this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with their families, the football community, and all Nigerians who mourn their great loss. May God grant them eternal rest in His kingdom, and may their legacies continue to inspire future generations of sportsmen and women in our beloved country.
“Rest in Peace our True Heroes. -PO”.