NFF mourns as 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and later coached the national team. He died in his hometown of Enugu on Saturday at the age of 74.
Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence and leadership qualities both at club level with Enugu Rangers and with the national team, Chukwu famously lifted the Unity Cup—the first major continental title for Nigeria—on Saturday, March 22, 1980, after receiving it from then-President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described Chukwu as a towering figure in Nigerian football.
“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 his family, friends, and the Nigerian football fraternity the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he added.
Chukwu was part of the Nigerian team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals held in Ethiopia and Ghana, respectively, before captaining the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament.
Born on January 4, 1951, Chukwu spent his entire playing career with Enugu Rangers. He later coached the club and also managed the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars. In 2002, he was appointed Head Coach of the Super Eagles and led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia.
His passing comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON triumph. Other members of that golden squad who passed on before him include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atuegbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.
