Christian Chukwu, a former Super Eagles player, reportedly passed away early on Saturday, April 12, 2025, between 9 am and 10 am
Emmanuel Okala, who also played for the Nigerian national team, confirmed the news to Segun Odegbami, another ex-Super Eagles player.
At the time of filing this report, details surrounding his demise were yet to be revealed, and there has been no statement from family members or associates.
.Odegbami, who won the 1980 Africa Nation Cup with Chukwu, 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.”
In 2021, false reports of Chukwu’s death had circulated widely, prompting the legendary coach to refute the rumors during his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, 2021.
Reacting then, Chukwu said: “I am terribly embarrassed by this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story.”
Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” was a prominent figure in Nigerian football — both as a player and as a coach. His legacy in the sport remains significant. Chukwu refuted rumours of his death while celebrating his 70th birthday on January 4, 2021.
“I am terribly embarrassed by this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story.”
Chukwu first coached the Kenyan national team in 1998 before he was appointed Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 2003 where he led the team to the semi-final of the 2004 African Cup of Nations, AFCON.
As a player, he was captain of the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles that first lifted the AFCON trophy in 1980
