Nigerian former Super  Eagle’s Captain, Christian Chukwu dies at 74

DDM NEWS

Christian Chukwu

The first Nigerian Captain to lift the African Cup of nations’ trophy, Mazi Christian Chukwu has passed on at the age of seventy four years.

The football icon died on Saturday 12th April 2025 after a brief illness in an undisclosed hospital.

This was disclosed in a media report on Sunday 13th April 2025 by Prince Chimaraoke Uwalaka.

He states: “Nigerian football legend, Christian Chukwu, popularly known as “Chairman,” has passed away at the age of 74.

He died in Enugu on Saturday morning, shortly after being rushed to the hospital following a sudden illness on Friday night.

Chukwu, a revered former captain of both the Green Eagles and Enugu Rangers, was widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Nigeria’s football history.

Despite medical efforts, he could not recover and was confirmed dead between 9:00 and 10:00 am today.

Segun Odegbami, his longtime teammate and vice-captain, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a WhatsApp message:

“My Chairman has passed on… I just received the news that between 9 and 10 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR—my close friend and teammate—has left us.

“He was not just a great footballer but also a former captain and coach of our national team.

Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, broke the news to me. May ‘Oyim’ rest peacefully with our Creator and may his family be comforted.”

Another former teammate, Francis Monidafe, who last visited Chukwu in 2020, expressed shock and deep sorrow, struggling to find words over the loss of his friend.

Chukwu’s legacy as a player, coach, and mentor will remain etched in the hearts of millions of Nigerians who witnessed his brilliance on and off the pitch”, the report stated.

WHO IS CHRISTIAN CHUKWU?

Christian Chukwu is a Nigerian former football player and coach, born on January 4, 1951.

He’s best known for captaining the Nigerian national team, the Green Eagles, to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980.

Chukwu led the team to a 3-0 win over Algeria in the tournament, making him the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup trophy.

HIS PLAYING CAREER

– *Position*: Defender
– *Senior Career*: 1972-1981, Enugu Rangers
– *International Career*: 1974-1981, Nigeria (54 caps)

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Africa Cup of Nations Winner: 1980
Runners-up: 1976 and 1978.
2004 African Cup of Nations Semifinals: Led Nigeria to the Semifinals

COACHING CAREER

Teams Coached:
Enugu Rangers: 1982-1985, 1986-1988, and 2009 (sacked).
Kenya National Team: 1998.
Nigeria National Team: 2003-2005 (suspended).

COACHING ROLES
Enugu Rangers: Chukwu coached the team from 1982-1985 and 1986-1988, later returning in 2009.
Nigeria U-17 Team: He served as an assistant coach in 1985-1986.

PERSONAL LIFE
Family: Married with four children (two boys, two girls)

Early Life: Discouraged by parents from playing football, Chukwu would sell plantains to support his family.

Close Bond: Had a strong relationship with teammates and leaders, including Dan Anyiam, who impacted his football career.

ORIGIN/BACKGROUND

Christian Chukwu, a renowned Nigerian footballer and coach, was born on January 4, 1951, in Enugu, Nigeria.

His journey in football began despite his parents’ disapproval, who instead encouraged him to sell plantains.

However, Chukwu’s passion for the sport led him to play for National Grammar School, Nike, and Highlanders FC, eventually becoming the captain of his school team.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Primary Education: Christ Church Primary School, Uwani, Enugu, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate

Secondary Education: National Secondary School, Nike, Enugu, where he completed his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE)

FOOTBALL CAREER
Club Career: Chukwu played for Enugu Rangers from 1972 to 1981 and was part of the team that won the National Cup in 1975, 1976, 1981, and 1983.

He also won the African Cup winner’s Cup in 1977 with Enugu Rangers.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER
As a defender, Chukwu represented Nigeria from 1974 to 1981, earning 54 caps.

He captained the Nigerian national team, known as the Green Eagles, to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980, lifting the trophy after a 3-0 win over Algeria .

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