OBITUARY: Former Super Eagles captain and coach Christian Chukwu dies at 74, Odegbami mourns
Former Super Eagles captain and coach Christian Chukwu has passed away at the age of 74. He died earlier on Sunday, though details surrounding his death remain unclear at the time of filing this report.
Chukwu captained the Super Eagles, then called Green Eagles, to win Nigeria’s first AFCON title in 1980.
He was also the captain of Rangers International FC of Enugu for over a decade, he led the team to win many national and continental titles.
A one-time teammate and bosom friend, Segun Odegbami wrote on his verified social media handle, “Breaking News!! My Chairman has passed on.
“I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has passed on.
“Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago! May ‘Onyim’ find peace with Our Creator in Heaven and console his family. ‘’ wrote Odegbami.
According to Vanguard Newspapers, in 2021, false reports of Chukwu’s death had circulated widely, prompting the legendary coach to refute the rumors during his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, 2021.
Reacting then, Chukwu said: “I am embarrassed with this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story.”
Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” was a prominent figure in Nigerian football — both as a player and as a coach. His legacy in the sport remains significant.
