Nigerians and indeed, the football community in Nigeria and Africa are reeling in pains and shock over the death of Nigerian football legend Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu, who died yesterday, aged 74 years.
Late Christian Chukwu MFR, was a former captain and coach of the then Green Eagles, now Super Eagles. Renowned for his robust style of play and commanding presence on and off the field, Chukwu, also fondly called ‘Oyim’, by close friends, remarkably captained the Green Eagles to win the 1980 African Cup of Nations hosted by Nigeria, which was the first of Nigeria’s three continental titles.
The Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, while expressing his sadness on the demise of the iconic footballer, noted that while alive, late Christian Chukwu was exemplary and a role model to several generations of Nigerian players.
Read Also: Christian Chukwu: The Chairman Who Led Nigeria to Its First AFCON Glory Passes On at 74
“Late Christian Chukwu, was iconic in all ramifications. He was truly the ‘Chairman’, of Nigerian footballer. Like many Nigerians, I also grew up adoring this great Nigerian.
“On behalf of the board members of Lagos FA, the stakeholders and the entire football community in the state, I commiserate with the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the leadership of the National Sports Commission, and of course, the family and friends of the deceased.
“However, we take solace in the fact that the late Christian Chukwu, lived a great life of compassion, kindness and humility, dedicated to the unity, peace and development of Nigeria, through football.
“We pray that God in His infinite mercies grant him eternal rest and also give his family, friends and associates, the fortitude and strength to bear this great loss,” Liameed prayed.
