By Doris Ewoh, Enugu
The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation, has programmed a service of songs in honor of late football icon Christian Chukwu.
The event, which is to be held on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, will take place at 4:30pm.
The Service of Songs, being part of a week-long funeral program in celebration of the life and legacy of Christian Chukwu, a revered coach and former captain of the Nigeria National Football Team who passed away recently, is calling on family, friends, football legends, and fans to attend the solemn event featuring hymns, tributes, and reflections on his immense contributions to Nigerian sports.
Christian Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He captained the national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 and led Enugu Rangers to multiple domestic and continental triumphs in the 1970s. As coach, he managed both Rangers and the Super Eagles, cementing his status as a national sports icon whose leadership, discipline, and passion left an indelible mark on Nigerian football.
The approved programme of events for the funeral ceremony is as follows:
*BURIAL PROGRAMME FOR LATE COACH CHRISTIAN CHUKWU (CON)*
• Sunday, 10th August 2025
Service of Songs
Venue: St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, 13th August 2025
Night of Tributes
Venue: International Conference Centre, Enugu
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday, 14th August 2025
Colloquium: “Life and Times of Christian Chukwu, the Chairman”
Venue: Enugu Sports Club, Enugu
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Friday, 15th August 2025
Novelty Football Match
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Time: 9:00 AM
Christian Wake
Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State
• Saturday, 16th August 2025
Lying-in-State / Burial Ceremony
Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA
Time: 9:00 AM Prompt
• Sunday, 17th August 2025
Thanksgiving Service
Venue: St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Obe
Time: 10:00 AM
Coach Christian Chukwu’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and Nigerians alike.