President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Nigerian football great Christian Chukwu, hailing him as a cherished national hero whose legacy in the sport inspired and uplifted countless Nigerians.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended heartfelt condolences, praising Chukwu’s enduring impact on football in Nigeria and beyond.

The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74, leaving a void in the hearts of many football fans.

“The President joins the football community in mourning the loss of a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status globally.

“A towering figure in Nigerian football, Chukwu captained the Green Eagles to a historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory and later coached the Super Eagles, which won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership.

“Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence and leadership on the field, Chukwu devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.”

Tinubu lauded Chukwu for a career defined by discipline, excellence, and an unwavering dedication to the country.

“President Tinubu eulogises Chukwu for a trailblazing career defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President says.

Tinubu also offered prayers for the repose of Chukwu’s soul and comfort for his grieving family, expressing hope that they find solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu died aged 74 in the early hours of Saturday.

A longtime friend and former teammate, Segun Odegbami confirmed his demise on X on Saturday.

Born on January 4, 1951, in Uwani, Enugu, Chukwu was discouraged by his parents from playing football and hawking plantains, but his passion prevailed.

Here are seven interesting facts about the Nigerian football legend:

Chukwu captained Nigeria’s Green Eagles squad, which included other greats like Segun Odegbami and Muda Lawal, to win the nation’s first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980, defeating Algeria 3-0 in the final.

He was given the nickname “Chairman” by famous broadcaster, Ernest Okonkwo for his commanding presence and leadership on the pitch.

Chukwu was a legend of the Enugu Rangers football club, leading the team to four Challenge Cup titles (1975, 1976, 1981, 1983) and the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

He was one of Nigeria’s greatest defenders, combining tactical intelligence and physicality that made him a nightmare for opposing strikers.

Chukwu also had a decent coaching career, guiding the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia. He also managed Lebanon’s Safa FC in 1997 and the Kenyan national team in 1998.

In 2019, Chukwu’s battle with prostate cancer came to the limelight and billionaire businessman Femi Otedola covered his medical bills in excess of $50,000.

In 2023, his biography, “The Field Marshal: Chairman Christian Chukwu – Biography of an African Football Legend”, was launched in Lagos and attended by Odegbami and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, is dead.

Chukwu passed away at the age of 74.

He died earlier on Saturday, though details surrounding his death remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

Details later…