Christian Chukwu: Nigeria Football Supporters Club President General mourns late ex-Eagles’ icon 

By Harry Awurumibe, Editor-in-Chief, Abuja

President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has joined eminent Nigerians in mourning one of the country’s greatest footballers past and present, Chief Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), who joined his ancestors yesterday in his home town Obe, Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu state.

The iconic former Green Eagles captain and later head coach affectionately known as ‘Chairman’, died at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu State yesterday, aged 74.

Reacting to Chukwu’s death,  Ladipo described the news as shocking and a personal loss, adding that nobody expected former football star, respected coach, and administrator to die when his advice is most needed to move Nigeria football to the next level.

Said he: Chairman Christian Chukwu was a great man. I call him the great Man,  Chairman, Commander and Captain. In fact,  Christian Chukwu, is a man we adore and respect. He played , coached, and thought football to the younger generations.

“He did everything with commitments and patriotism. First Nigerian to lift the African Cup of Nations, the Unity Cup. He was a delight to fans and supporters.  Nigeria. Africa, and indeed  the entire world, mourns his exit . May His gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen”.

Ladipo also said that Chukwu was one of the national team players that acknowledged the relevance and importance of  supporters and roles fans play in football, insisting that he served his nation patriotically.

“Let it be said that Chukwu  played and commanded his group with everything God gave him. History will remember him kindly”, Ladipo concluded.