Ex-Super Eagles’ Captain, Coach Dies At 74

Former Super Eagles head coach, Christian Chukwu, has passed away at the age of 74.

Chukwu reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, though specific details regarding the circumstances of his death remain undisclosed as of the time of filing this report.

A source close to the family confirmed the development, stating, “Yes, it is true. We have lost him. The family will issue an official statement shortly.”

Christian Chukwu, a former captain of the Nigerian national team, led the Super Eagles as a coach in the early 2000s and is widely regarded as one of the country’s football legends.

Under his leadership, Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, ultimately finishing third in the tournament held in Tunisia.

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The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has expressed its condolences. NFF spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Chukwu. He made immense contributions to Nigerian football, both as a player and a coach.”

Chukwu’s playing career was equally distinguished. He captained the Green Eagles (now Super Eagles) to their first AFCON victory in 1980 on home soil.

He also held coaching roles in other African countries, including Kenya, and served as technical director for various Nigerian football programmes after retiring from active coaching.

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Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

Tributes from players, officials, and fans continue to pour in as the nation mourns a football icon.