In a heartfelt message, former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Christian Chukwu, a towering figure in Nigerian football.
Chukwu, who captained the Green Eagles to a historic victory in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, passed away recently, leaving a profound void in the hearts of football fans across the nation.
“It is difficult to grasp that Chairman Christian Chukwu has passed on,” Atiku Abubakar shared.
“His name stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football. From the mid-70s, when he captained our beloved Green Eagles, to that glorious triumph at the 1980 Nations Cup, Chukwu was the image of grace, discipline, and dedication — both as a player and a coach.”
Abubakar, who has long been a supporter of Nigeria’s sporting heritage, noted that Chukwu’s impact went beyond the field. His leadership and commitment to the sport helped shape Nigerian football and inspire generations of players and fans alike.
“The loss of Christian Chukwu will be profoundly felt,” he added. “My thoughts and prayers are with his dear family and with everyone of us who cherished his contributions to the beautiful game.”
The former vice president also offered his prayers for Chukwu’s family, saying, “May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and grant his loved ones the strength to carry on.”
Chukwu’s legacy as both a player and coach remains integral to Nigerian football history.
