Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has passed away at the age of 74. 

Chukwu captained the Nigerian national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 1980. 

Following the passing of Christian Chukwu, tributes have poured in from across the Nigerian football community.

Among them, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, a longtime teammate and close friend of the late icon, expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt message:

Breaking News!!
My Chairman has passed on .

I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and team mate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football 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 console his family. ADIEU CAPT COACH CHRISTIAN CHUKWUEMEKA CHUKWU

Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, MON, OLY, AFNIIA, FNIS

His death at the age of 74 has been met with widespread mourning, as fans and former colleagues remember his contributions to Nigerian football.

Details surrounding his death remain unclear at this time.