Tributes have been pouring in after the demise of former Coach of the Super Eagles and captain of the national football team in the days of the Green Eagles, Christian Chukwu.
From Sports administrators, to football legends and journalists, kind words have been coming in torrents as Nigerian Sports fraternity turned on the mourning mode following news of the passing of Christian Chukwu on Saturday morning.
Director-General National Institute for Sports, Professor Olawale Moronkola expressed deep shock and described Chairman, as he was fondly called, as one of Nigeria’s best coaches aside being a dependable defender and great footballer who brought glory and honour to Nigeria.
Recalling that Chukwu was the national team captain when the Green Eagles first won the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON on home soil in 1980, Professor Moronkola highlights the trajectory of Chukwu’s metamorphosis as a raw talent discovered from the grassroots.
“A major lesson is that he was a product of grassroots Sports as he was discovered while playing for the East Central State academicals in the 1970s.
“Much more than the successful footballer and coach he rose to become, Chukwu was an epitome of discipline, determination and dedication which are key attributes needed for anyone to succeed in Sports and indeed in any human endeavour.
“His patriotism and commitment to national duty were second to none, just as his expertise in coaching led him to make meaningful contributions to the development of football not only in Nigeria but in Africa especially the East African nation of Kenya where he served as national coach”
The National Institute for Sports Director-General added that Chukwu who left an indelible mark and footprints in the sands of time will be sorely missed.
“It is a great loss and it is apt at this juncture to commiserate with Chairman Chukwu’s immediate family, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President, the National Sports Commission, NSC Chairman and DG as well as all football lovers and the entire Sports Fraternity for the irreparable loss of a football icon” said Professor Moronkola.
A team mate in the 1980 AFCON winning team, Segun Odegbami who broke the news described him as one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers of all time.
Also speaking, another legend and former African Footballer of the year, Victor Ikpeba said Chukwu impacted generations of Nigerian footballers.
Ikpeba who expressed deep shock over news of the passing of Christian Chukwu says though they belonged to different generations, Chukwu played key roles in mentoring the class of 94 through to the 2000s.
“He was one of the very best Nigerian footballers who alongside the likes of Adokie Amasiamaka, Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi among others, inspired those of us who came after them.
“He was a mentor, a leader and a Coach who contributed immensely from way back in 1985 where he was part of the coaching crew that won the FIFA U-16 World Cup in China.
“He also played key roles in the full international set up with the Super Eagles either as Assistant or substantive coach at different times.
“Though he’s been sick for sometime, he looked in good spirits the last time I visited him in his house in Enugu. I am really pained to hear the sad news. Very sad that he is no more.
“The football family and the entire Nigerian sports fraternity will find it difficult to fill the vacuum which Chairman Chukwu’s death has created”. The former Nigeria’s Super Eagles and AS Monaco striker who was crowned Africa’s best footballer in 1997 concluded.
There are also kind words and exciting memories for Journalists like Harry Iwuala privileged to have seen a bit of Chukwu’s exploits.
“I was a budding journalist when Chukwu played his last few games before becoming coach of Enugu Rangers International, the only club he played for in his entire career.
“He was a leader and gentleman who was never found anywhere there was trouble. None of his teammates had any record of conflicts with the man during and after his playing days.
“His status as a one-club-man which depicts the virtue of loyalty is something that is very rare among today’s footballers”
Iwuala who is Nigeria Premier Football League Director of Media said icons like Chukwu are usually identified and honoured to serve as inspiration for NPFL players. He said that the late legend would be given a deserved respect in the next round of games.
“This news came as a shock and too late for a minute silence to be observed in Saturday’s matches. Certainly that would be done in the next games”.
Apart from captaining Nigeria to its first AFCON victory in 1980, Christian Chukwu also rose to become coach of the Super Eagles and the Harambee Stars of Kenya.
He also had a managerial stint in Lebanon as well as spells in charge of his one and only clubside in his playing days, Enugu Rangers International.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
