Nigerian Football Mourns A Legend: NSC Pays Tribute To ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian football icon, Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu, describing his death as a colossal loss to the nation and the sporting world.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who received the devastating news from Chukwu’s long-time teammate Dr. Segun Odegbami, paid glowing tribute to the former Super Eagles captain, calling him “the original Chairman on the pitch.”
“A big iroko has fallen,” Dikko said. “Christian Chukwu wasn’t just a name in Nigerian football, he was the heartbeat.
His leadership in the 1980 AFCON victory remains a defining moment in our sporting history.”
Known for his calm charisma, commanding presence, and football intellect, Chukwu led Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles to a bronze medal in the 2004 AFCON.
His influence stretched from the pitch to the dugout and into football administration, where he served as General Manager of Rangers International FC.
“This is a very gloomy day,” Dikko added. “We were working closely with him. Even in retirement, he remained a voice of reason and hope for Nigerian football. We will do everything possible to immortalise him.”
NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade echoed the sentiments, saying, “We all grew up loving football because of legends like Chairman Chukwu. May God comfort his family and all Nigerian football lovers.”
Christian Chukwu’s legacy spans over four decades, with notable stints as coach of Nigeria and Kenya, and as assistant coach during Nigeria’s historic U-16 World Cup win in 1985.
He may be gone, but for Nigeria, ‘Chairman’ will forever remain a symbol of pride, passion, and purpose on and off the pitch.
