Former Super Eagles defender and head coach Christian Chukwu has passed away at age of 74 in the early hours of Saturday morning in Enugu, Afrosport reports.
Chukwu had been battling with a series of health issues since 2019, and his death comes 20 days after the 45th anniversary of winning Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil which he captained.
He played his entire career with Enugu Rangers and won 10 titles including four league titles and the 1975 African Cup of Champions Clubs (now CAF Champions League) and 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup (now CAF Confederation Cup).
Christian Chukwu transitioned to management after his retirement in 1981 and first managed Rangers between 1982 and 1985 before leading the Nigeria U-17 team between 1985 and 1986.
Reacting to the news of his demise, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision and consistency.
“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.”
Our ‘Captain’ ‘Chairman’ ‘Coach’ is gone. A True Eagle
NFF mourns as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained… pic.twitter.com/71trVmyW9Z
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Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) April 12, 2025
Chukwu returned to manage Rangers for a second time between 1986 and 1988 before going on to have the role of Super Eagles assistant coach under Clemens Westerhoff, leading the team to the 1994 AFCON title and their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
He went on to coach the Kenya national team between 1998 and 2003 before returning to Nigeria to coach the Super Eagles between 2003 and 2005, helping them to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.
He then had a third stint with Rangers between 2005 and 2009.
