Doris Ewoh, Enugu
The governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Ohaneze President-General, John Azuta-Mbata, and other prominent Nigerians will be present to pay tribute to the late football coach, Christian Chukwu at the Night of Tribute.
The event organized by Enugu State Government in collaboration with Nigeria Football Federation is to be held on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, at the International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, and will take place at 4pm to 8pm.
The Night of Tribute being part of a week-long funeral program in celebration of the life and legacy of Christian Chukwu, is expected to attract football lovers, former teammates, football administrators, and other notable dignitaries from sports and political echelon of the society paying their respects to the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach who passed away recently after a prolonged illness.
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.