Nigerian football is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles captain Christian Chukwu, who passed away at the age of 74 in the early hours of Saturday at his home in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria.
His former club, Rangers International, confirmed the news in a statement signed by the club's CEO, Amobi Ezeaku.
“This is a devastating loss, not only for Rangers but for the entire football family,” the statement read. “Chairman Christian Chukwu was a towering figure, a symbol of resilience, excellence, and leadership.
“The name ‘Chairman’ became synonymous with his commanding presence both on and off the pitch, a title first bestowed upon him by the legendary broadcaster Ernest Okonkwo.”
How did Super Eagles legend Christian Chukwu die?
Chukwu had been battling illness in recent years.
In 2019, he suffered from prostate cancer, which affected his mobility.
A GoFundMe appeal was launched to support his treatment, and billionaire business mogul Femi Otedola later donated $50,000 for his care abroad.
Our ‘Captain’ ‘Chairman’ ‘Coach’ is gone. A True Eagle 🇳🇬🦅💔
NFF mourns as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained… pic.twitter.com/71trVmyW9Z
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) April 12, 2025
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, leading the then Green Eagles to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the final.
He also featured in the 1976 and 1978 editions of the tournament.
At club level, he spent more than a decade with Enugu Rangers, where he also served as captain. He later coached the team to a sixth-place finish in the 2008–2009 NPFL season.
Chukwu also coached the Kenyan national team in 1998 and managed the Super Eagles between 2003 and 2005, guiding Nigeria to the semi-finals of the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.
Just a few hours after Chukwu passed on, his teammate from the AFCON winning team of 1980, Charles Bassey also died.
The former defender died in Uyo after battling with his health for sometime now.
He had been involved with football arounf Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
