Kluemedia Report | April 12, 2025
Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has passed away at the age of 74.
Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman” in Nigerian football circles, died on Saturday, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear at the time of filing this report.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his longtime friend and teammate, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, who played alongside Chukwu in the national team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
In an emotional tribute, Odegbami 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.”
Chukwu’s passing brings an end to a storied career that left an indelible mark on Nigerian football. He was not only an iconic captain of the national team but also served as coach of the Super Eagles, guiding and mentoring several generations of Nigerian players.
In 2021, Chukwu was the subject of a widespread death rumor which he publicly debunked. During his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, 2021, he expressed shock and embarrassment over the false reports.
“I am terribly embarrassed with 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 had said then.
Chukwu’s legacy, both on and off the pitch, remains monumental. As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, his contributions to Nigerian football will be remembered for generations to come.
Kluemedia will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more details emerge.
