The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, on Saturday joined sports lovers and dignitaries in Enugu to bid farewell to Nigerian football icon, Christian Chukwu, who was laid to rest in his country home in Obe, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Obi described the late Super Eagles captain and coach as “one of Nigeria’s finest sports minds,” noting that Chukwu embodied discipline, resilience, leadership charisma, and humility throughout his career.
“For many years, as both player and coach at club, national, and international levels, Chukwu displayed uncommon sportsmanship and left a legacy that will inspire generations,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor commended the outpouring of love and honour shown to the late football star by associates, mentees, and the wider football community, adding that it was proof of the fulfilled life Chukwu lived.
He also applauded the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for pledging to support ageing Rangers players, urging him to uphold the promise while calling on other state governors and the federal government to extend similar support to retired sportsmen and women who sacrificed their youthful years for national pride.
“My condolences go to his immediate family, his friends and colleagues, and the entire football community of Nigeria. I pray God grants his soul eternal repose and blesses Nigeria’s new generation of sportsmen and women with many more Christian Chukwus in the New Nigeria that is Possible,” Obi added.
Christian Chukwu, fondly called “Chairman,” captained the Nigerian national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 and later managed the Super Eagles. He is remembered as a football legend whose legacy continues to inspire the country’s sporting community.
