Renowned former Green Eagles captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has passed away at the age of 74.

The sad news was confirmed by his former teammate and football legend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, who took to social media to express his grief:

“I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest footballers in Nigeria’s history, former captain and coach of our national team, has passed on. Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago.
May ‘Onyim’ find peace with our Creator in Heaven, and may his family be comforted.”

Christian Chukwu, fondly known as "Chairman," was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He captained the Green Eagles to their historic 1980 African Cup of Nations victory and later went on to manage the national team, leading Nigeria to the semi-finals of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2021, false rumours about his death circulated widely, prompting him to personally debunk them during his 70th birthday celebrations.

The cause of his death has not yet been made public.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.