By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 14, 2025

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Sunday described the death of former captain of Nigeria’s national football team, Christian Chukwu, as the loss of a national and international icon.

Chukwu died on Saturday in Enugu at the age of 74.

Akpabio gave the tribute in a condolence message titled ‘We Have Lost a Football Icon’ issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.

While stating that the one-time coach of the Super Eagles has made a name in the annals of the country, the former Akwa Ibom governor remained upbeat that his leadership skills and dedication will continue to inspire ‘countless fans and future generations.’

He said, “We mourn the loss of a Nigerian football icon, Christian Chukwu. As a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history.

“His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a legendary Nigerian footballer. His contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community and may God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Chukwu was born on January 4, 1951, in Obe community in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state.

He captained the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980. Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and finished as a runner-up in 1976 and 1978.

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 14, 2025

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