‘Symbol of patriotism’ — Tinubu, Atiku, Obi mourn Christian Chukwu

President Bola Tinubu has described  Christian Chukwu, former Super Eagles captain and coach, as a “symbol of excellence and patriotism”. 

Chukwu was pronounced dead on Saturday at the age of 74.

The football legend was the captain when the Super Eagles won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 on home soil.

Reacting to Chukwu’s death, Tinubu said the legendary footballer “brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch”.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area,” the president said.

ATIKU: CHUKWU STANDS TALL IN NIGERIAN FOOTBALL HISTORY

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar said Chukwu’s name “stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football”.

Atiku said Nigerians “are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love”.

“We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” Atiku wrote.

“From the mid-70s, when he captained our beloved Green Eagles, to that glorious triumph at the 1980 Nations Cup, Chukwu was the image of grace, discipline, and dedication — both as a player and a coach. His absence will be profoundly felt.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his dear family and with every one of us who cherished his contributions to the beautiful game. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and grant his loved ones the strength to carry on.”

OBI: CHUKWU’S LIFE MARKED BY RESILIENCE AND PATRIOTISM

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, said Chukwu contributed “immensely to the development of football in Nigeria”.

He added that the late football icon is a “shining example of what it means to represent one’s country with honour and integrity”.

“He was not just a remarkable footballer but also an extraordinary leader who captained and coached the national team and his beloved club, Rangers International of Enugu, with distinction,” Obi wrote.

“His skill, discipline, and dedication to the beautiful game brought pride to our nation and joy to millions of fans across Africa and beyond. Beyond his playing days, Christian Chukwu continued to serve the game as a coach and mentor, nurturing young talents and contributing immensely to the development of football in Nigeria. His life was marked by resilience and patriotism, and his legacy will remain a shining example of what it means to represent one’s country with honour and integrity.”

MBAH: CHUKWU’S NAME WRITTEN IN GOLD IN AFRICAN FOOTBALL

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, described Chukwu as a “phenomenon” whose “exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed”.

“He was patriotism personified, serving the nation and Africa unreservedly both as a player and coach of the highly successful Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Super Eagles of Nigeria, which he captained to victory as Green Eagles at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. He also coached the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior male national team, among others,” the governor said.

“Chairman, as he was fondly called, gave his all not only to the nation but to the rest of Africa. He wrote his name in gold in the annals of the history of Nigerian and African football.

“Our dear legend has gone the way of all mortals, but the fond memories and the pride he gave Ndi Igbo and Nigeria as a whole will be cherished forever.

“My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose.”