Tribute to pour when coach former coach Christian Chukwu continued

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Rangers Football Club, and a number of others have poured tribute after the collapse of the former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu.

Chukwu, who became the captain of the 1980 Nigerian African Cup African forces and then trained the team, died in his hometown, Enugu on Saturday.

Chukwu was in the Nigerian senior team who won a bronze medal in the 1976 and 1978 Final Afcon in Ethiopia and Ghana, before leading the squad to get glory in the land of home to 1980. He was named a tournament player.

He was nicknamed ‘chairman’ because of his impressive presence and the authority he entered right in front of the back row at both clubs (Enugu Rangers) and the state.

Secretary General of the Nigerian Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu is a definition of a strong leader, dedicated and disciplined in and off the field.

“We pray that the Almighty people will give their eternal rest, and also give the family and friends they have left, and the Nigerian football brotherhood is fortunate to bear this big loss.”

Also read: NFF appointed Christian Chukwu as the Ambassador of Life, placed it with a salary n.5m

Rangers International Football Club said they were very grieving over the death of their legendary captain, coach and administrator.

“This is a destroying loss, not only for Rangers but also for the whole family of football. ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu is a towering figure, symbol of resilience, excellence, and leadership.

“The name ‘chairman’ is synonymous with his presence that rules both inside and off the field, a title that was first awarded to him by the legendary announcer, Ernest Okonkwo and was adopted by the generation since then,” General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the State of Enugu, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has directed that the condolences were opened at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu and all offices of the Enugu state liaison throughout the country, to respect the deceased’s soccer icon.

Chukwu’s death came exactly 20 days after the 45th commemoration of Afcon Triumph 1980. Previously, other squad members who had passed, were the best goalkeeper Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, the defenders of Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidle, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and Martins Eyo striker.

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