Christian Chukwu passes on – Hanto Daily News

‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, first captain of Nigeria’s Senior National football team, the Green Eagles (Super Eagles) to lift a Continental trophy for the country is dead.

Double C, Double C ( Chairman) as he was fondly called by the legendary commentator, Ernest Okonkwo led other young energetic Nigerians to conquer Algeria three 3- 0 in Lagos to lift the African Cup of Nations in 1980.

Chukwu who coached the Super Eagles died in the early hours of this Saturday at 74.

Confirming the incident, his longtime teammate, friend and exquisite winger, Segun Odegbami (Mathematical) told Channels Television that a former colleague and number one goalkeeper of their squad , Emmanuel Okala (Tallest) broke the sad news to him.

“I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s history, has passed on.

“Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago. May ‘Onyim’ find peace with Our Creator in Heaven and console his family,” Odegbami said.

Born January 4, 1951, Chukwu had an illustrious career with Rangers, captaining them to domestic and continental glory by winning, league, challenge cup and the now rested African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.

The Enugu State born defensive idol assisted Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof when Nigeria won a second AFCON title in 1994 en route to the country’s maiden appearance at the 1994 USA World Cup.

As the Coach of the super Eagles, the tactitian led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Chukwu who could be described as one of Nigeria’s finest center-backs, suffered prostrate cancer in 2019, which affected his leg.