Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the death of Christian Chukwu, a former Green Eagles defender, as a great loss to Nigeria.
Chukwu passed away at the age of 74.
In a statement released on Saturday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu praised Chukwu as a legend.
Chukwu captained the Green Eagles, winning Nigeria’s first-ever African Nations Cup in 1980, and left a significant mark on Nigerian football.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chukwu began his coaching career in October 1998, becoming the coach of the Kenya national team.
He also managed the Super Eagles from 2003 to 2005, leading them to the semifinals of the 2004 African Cup of Nations.
Sanwo-Olu described the death of the national icon, who served as both player and coach, as a painful loss to the nation.
He extended his condolences to Chukwu’s family, the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Football Federation on the loss of the ex-Enugu Rangers player.
“The death of Christian Chukwu is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of our best,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Chukwu captained the Green Eagles from 1974 to 1980, making history as the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup trophy in 1980.
“He also coached the Super Eagles, served as General Manager and CEO of Rangers International F.C., and was once the coach of the Kenya national team,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu said Chukwu, affectionately known as ‘Chairman,’ would be greatly missed. He urged his family, friends, colleagues and fans to accept his passing as an act of God.
The governor prayed for eternal peace for Chukwu and strength for his loved ones and fans to bear the loss.
