Iconic Green Eagles captain and Super Eagles coach, Stephen Chukwu, has passed away at the age of 74.
Sharing the news of his death on social media, former teammate and fellow football legend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, expressed his grief, writing; “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.”
Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman”, was a cornerstone of Nigerian football, celebrated for his remarkable contributions as both a player and a coach. He led the Green Eagles to their triumphant 1980 African Cup of Nations win and later guided the national team as coach, notably reaching the semi-finals of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
In 2021, false reports of Chukwu’s death circulated widely, leading him to publicly debunk the rumors during his 70th birthday celebration.
The reason for his passing has not yet been disclosed.
May his soul find eternal rest, Amen.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
