Christian Chukwu, a former captain and head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has died at the age of 74.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the legendary footballer passed away in the early hours of Saturday, April 13, 2025. While the exact cause of death remains unclear, his passing has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond.
His longtime teammate and close friend, Olusegun Odegbami, confirmed the news to Channels Television. In a deeply emotional tribute, Odegbami said: “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 football players in Nigeria’s history, 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 console his family.”
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Born on January 4, 1951, in Enugu, Chukwu carved out a remarkable career in Nigerian football both as a player and a coach. He captained the Enugu Rangers to numerous domestic triumphs and famously led them to continental success with the African Cup Winners Cup victory in 1977.
As captain of the Super Eagles, Chukwu guided Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980, defeating Algeria 3–0 in the final held in Lagos. He was also named Player of the Tournament in that historic competition.
Chukwu later transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant to Dutchman Clemens Westerhof when Nigeria lifted its second AFCON trophy in 1994 and qualified for the country’s first FIFA World Cup appearance in the USA the same year.
From 2002 to 2005, he served as head coach of the Super Eagles, leading the team to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia. However, he was relieved of his duties in 2005 during Nigeria’s qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup.
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Beyond the senior national team, Chukwu contributed significantly to Nigeria’s youth football development. He was part of the coaching staff when Nigeria clinched the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup in China.
In 2019, Chukwu battled prostate cancer, which affected his mobility. A public appeal for assistance was launched, drawing the attention of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, who donated $50,000 for his treatment abroad.
Nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence on and off the pitch, Chukwu is widely regarded as one of the greatest center-backs in Nigerian football history.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football world, celebrating a man whose legacy helped shape Nigerian football for decades.