By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has mourned the passing of Christian Chukwu, the legendary captain of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning squad.
Chukwu, fondly known as ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence on the pitch, passed away on Saturday in his hometown of Enugu at the age of 74.
Chukwu’s legacy in Nigerian football is legendary. As captain of the national team, he led the Super Eagles to their first-ever AFCON victory in 1980, a triumph that marked a historic moment for Nigerian football.
On 22nd March 1980, he stood proudly, hoisting the Unity Cup after Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium, Surulere, receiving the trophy from then-President Shehu Shagari.
That victory remains one of the defining moments in the country’s sporting history.
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, in a statement expressed the federation’s sorrow, saying: “We have lost a great man. Christian Chukwu was the embodiment of strength, discipline, and leadership—both on and off the field. He was a true giant in the world of Nigerian football and was rightly called ‘Chairman’ for his commanding leadership.”
Sanusi further prayed for Chukwu’s soul to rest in peace and extended condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Nigerian football community, adding, “We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity, the fortitude to bear this big loss.”
He said Chukwu’s impact on Nigerian football extended far beyond his playing days as he was instrumental in Nigeria’s bronze medal finishes at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON tournaments.
He captained the Super Eagles to glory in 1980 and was named Player of the Tournament, cementing his place in the annals of Nigerian football history.
Born on 4th January 1951, Chukwu was not only a star player for the national team but also for Enugu Rangers, where he spent his entire playing career. After hanging up his boots, he took on coaching roles, notably managing his beloved Enugu Rangers and the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars. In 2002, Chukwu returned to manage the Super Eagles, leading them to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.
The loss of Chukwu comes just 20 days after the 45th anniversary of Nigeria’s groundbreaking 1980 AFCON victory.
His passing is yet another reminder of the football heroes who have left us, with other members of the 1980 squad, including Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atugbu, Mudashiru Lawal, and Martins Eyo, having already passed on.
